Technology systems and technology policy in an evolutionary framework

Abstract

The central purpose of this paper is to outline an evolutionary theory of technology policy and to connect it with the emerging literature on national systems of innovation. Any understanding of technology policy must be based on a clear understanding of the nature of technology and the important differences between science and technology. Technology can be treated in terms of knowledge, skills and artifacts and in each case there are different variety-generating mechanisms, different selection processes and different institutional structures. For policy purposes, the degree of connection between these different dimensions of technology is at the core of technology policy.