The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between democratization and technological innovation. In primis, the paper shows, through economic history, that democratization is an antecedent process (cause) to technological and economic change (effect). In particular, the primary finding is that democratization is a driving force for technological change: most free countries,measuredwith liberal, participatory, and constitutional democracy indices, have a higher level of technology than less free and more autocratic countries. In fact, democracy richness generates a higher rate of technological innovationwith fruitful effects for thewellbeing andwealth of nations. These findings and predictions lead to the conclusion that policy makers need to be cognizant of positive associations between democratization and technological innovation paths in order to support the modern economic growth and future technological progress of countries.
Democratization is the driving force for technological and economic change
Coccia M
2010
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between democratization and technological innovation. In primis, the paper shows, through economic history, that democratization is an antecedent process (cause) to technological and economic change (effect). In particular, the primary finding is that democratization is a driving force for technological change: most free countries,measuredwith liberal, participatory, and constitutional democracy indices, have a higher level of technology than less free and more autocratic countries. In fact, democracy richness generates a higher rate of technological innovationwith fruitful effects for thewellbeing andwealth of nations. These findings and predictions lead to the conclusion that policy makers need to be cognizant of positive associations between democratization and technological innovation paths in order to support the modern economic growth and future technological progress of countries.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
