ABSTRACT
This paper aims to, as its title proposes, identify the segment of economic theory that speaks of technological policy. The methodology used is based on literature review, which sought to verify the place that innovation holds in different schools of economic thought. The literature review shows that the neoclassical theory and the evolutionary theory are the approaches that have been mostly concerned with industrial policy issues, including the innovation policy related ones. Critics of the neoclassical theory argue that its "market failure"-based perspective presents shortcomings when it comes to the treatment of innovation, which makes it limited as a conceptual basis for public policy. Evolutionary theory with its concept of innovation system gives a more elaborate analytical treatment to the process of technology creation and diffusion, since it advocates for public policy based on a systemic innovation perspective.
KEYWORDS:
innovation; economic theory; innovation policy; market failures; innovation system