A measure of technological capabilities for developing countries

The study was conducted to develop an index as a new measurement tool analyzing the innovativeness of developing countries. The role of science and technology in enhancing the rate of innovation is also investigated. The index is estimated for 61 countries observed during 2003-2008. The countries are classified into three groups based on their innovation level. The highest rate of innovation was noticed in China, followed by Estonia and Malaysia. The lowest innovation rate was reported in Iran, Bangladesh, Tadzhikistan, and Cambodia. It is recommended that governments (1) to allocate significant share of their budgets to the factors that enhance technological capability such as the science education, gross education enrollment rate and internet connectivity, (2) to promote policies of national awards for scientists and researchers who make sound breakthroughs in science and technology, (3) to develop international relations in the social, economic, cultural, and scientific spheres, (4) to modify school curriculum and syllabus, so that higher emphasis is given to the creativity and spontaneity of the children, (5) to relax portion of corporate taxes for developing an innovative way of product and production processes, which are environmentally friendly and economically viable. Finally, (6) the special focus must be given to the encouragement of local organizations to conduct the specialized training programs to promote innovation activities. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.