Industrial Transformation in Austria, Norway and Sweden

The literature on state capacity has suggested that state-industry relations are critical in understanding the structure of industry and the capacity for industry transformation within a particular social context. Further, there appears to be a need for science and technology policies that promote quality in industry through an emphasis on technology as an input in the production process. The paper reports three case studies that examine state-industry relations in Austria, Norway and Sweden in the post-war period and the growing focus on research and development policy in recent times. Case study analysis reveals an underdeveloped role for the state in industrial transformation and an absence of close state-industry linkages. Further, in all three countries, there is a specialisation in low and medium-low technology industries rather than the high-technology industries that are of growing importance in international markets. Recent science and technology policy developments and the institutional framework for research policy provide some indication of the capacity for industrial transformation in the future.