Sociedade, Tecnologia e Inovação Empresarial - Presidente da ...

nal Japanese competition was strong. And the closer the firms are tothe frontier, the less Government R and D support programs seem tobe able to substitute for a firm’s own.One important reason is the great uncertainty about what paths toadvance a technology will turn out to be the best ones. In the face ofthat uncertainty, the firms that live in the industry, produce the products,know the market, tend to be in a much better position than Governmentto lay the bets, but there is no guarantee any particular firmis going to bet right. And for society as a whole it is important thatno single firm control the options that are explored. The enhancedunderstanding of the institutions involved in technological advanceenables us to see better how Government policy can be effective inthe face of that uncertainty. But it cannot make that uncertainty goaway.A central reason why technological advance, and economic developmentdriven by technological advance, should be understood as anevolutionary process is that that uncertainty is highlighted, not repressed.It is absolutely essential that those concerned with devising policytowards science and technology understand the essential uncertaintiesof the processes involved. And understanding of the complex institutionalstructures supporting and molding technological progress providesa road map to where public policies can be effective, and wherethey are likely to be ineffective or worse.Debates2 7 8Sociedade, Tecnologia e Inovação Empresarial