Title: Innovation, imitation and dependence: iron and steel technology in India, 1970-1990

Authors: Bernard D'Mello

Addresses: Economic & Political Weekly, 18, Shamiana, Irla Lane, Mumbai 400 056, India

Abstract: The paper examines the adoption of the innovations of the |centre| by the Indian integrated steel industry (in the |periphery|) and lack of autonomous technological development, despite the potential, during 1970-1990. Imported technology was not subjected to any significant local adaptation and modification; further, there were hardly any autonomous technological innovations. Local ferrous metallurgical R&D, steel plant design and engineering, and the associated capital goods industry were weak and undeveloped, with tenuous linkages among themselves, and with the integrated steel plants.

Keywords: technological innovation; technological diffusion; technological imitation; technological dependence; linkages; learning by doing; technological underdevelopment; iron and steel industry; India; ferrous metallurgy; steel plant design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2010.033669

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2010 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.114 - 123

Published online: 15 Jun 2010 *

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