LAUSR

Abstract Technological development is a longstanding matter of concern in the comprehension of economic growth and wealth. However, a deeper understanding regarding the process of technological catching-up and development of emerging economies is yet to be further gathered. Thus, the aim of this article is to comprehend the path for developing frontier indigenous technologies through technology and knowledge transfer (TKT) and public-private partnerships (PPP). Based on a case-study of technological development in the field of molecular diagnostics in southern Brazil, this article provides a three-stage conical-helix model of technological catching up and development through TKT and PPPs. In the start-up stage, public research actors generate technological capabilities via TKT processes at the local level; in the catching-up stage, frontier technologies are gathered through a new TKT from international actors; in the rising-up stage, frontier technology is developed indigenously and transferred to national and international private industries through PPPs. Therefore, the conical-helix model presented in this study may potentially contribute to the development and implementation of a new generation of public policies for technological development in emerging economies, reducing technological dependence on imported technologies from developed nations.