Global Trends in Innovations Policy: Is It the Best Practice for Everyone?

The article explores global trends surrounding innovations in technology and the research and development sector. The author introduces the mechanisms and practices regarding innovation policy, as brought forth by the concept of "national innovation systems". Also, examined are the (R&D) research and development' s expenditures, such as through the (TFD) total factor productivity and other quantitative indicators collected by ISI, GIGA and Georgia Tech. The authors also analyze the producer-user relationships with their processes, problems and functions utilized. Since the 1980s many intermediaries, such as universities, research institutes, and hi-tech corporations originated these practices; particularly in the Silicon Valley, and now in Hsinchu Park, before examining technology programs elsewhere around the world. The authors conclude the article discussing the criticisms which surround this sector's activities and practices. M. Diem