Policy Framework for Technological Catch-up of Industrial Firms in Less Developed Regions of Iran

The development of technology in the less developed regions especially for industrial units is important. One of theTechnological development in the manufacturing is an important factor for the development of the less developed regions. One of the challenges to which these regions are now facing is inability to accept the technological change and to catch up with the developed regions. In the last 20 years, there were many programs to help these regions to catch up, yet, most of them has been failed. This paper aims to propose a policy framework for the technological catch up of the manufacturing sector. The seleceted research method is macro-case study by which 12 provinces are examined. Based on the results of this study, five types of policies (resource orientation, institutional and legal structure, market, financing and learning and technical knowledge flow) and fifteen key policies have been identified under policy framework.