Abstract Evidence is presented for the advanced OECD countries of uneven and divergent patterns of technological accumulation and the persistence of technology gaps. It is shown that ‘global’ firms will not smooth out the differences, since their technological activities are strongly influenced by conditions in their own countries. Possible causes of uneven development are discussed, and it is suggested that – in addition to diversity in cumulative technological trajectories – the divergent patterns reflect international differences in the capacities of management, financial, and training institutions properly to evaluate – and exploit – the learning benefits of technological investments. For these reasons, it is concluded that technological gaps among the advanced OECD countries are here to stay.
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