The Patterns of Technological Capabilities of Countries: A Dual Approach using Composite Indicators and Data Envelopment Analysis

SummaryThis study explores the patterns of technological capabilities for a sample of 42 countries over the period 1995–2007, introducing a novel methodological approach. We exploit duality between Data Envelopment Analysis and composite indicators to address the inconsistency between the two methodologies. The empirical findings point to the end of the hegemony of North America, Western Europe, and Japan, showing that a process of convergence in technological capabilities has occurred, limited to the 42 countries included in this study. Based on our methodology, a classification is provided highlighting differences in the patterns of technological capabilities of countries.