Research and innovation: a new route to development

Electronics and microelectronics affect modern societies in an extremely pervasive manner. The impact is so relevant as to make electronic disciplines not only a technical or an industrial topic, but also a political and a social issue. This poses a key and controversial question: can high-technology (electronics and microelectronics), contribute to development? The answer is not direct and unique: it may or it may not, and all depends on policies followed and national and regional strategies. This paper through a contemporary and historical perspective, raises certain points which will hopefully contribute to future debate.