Neo-Schumpeterian economics, innovation and technology policy

This paper analyzes the ontological, epistemological and, to a lesser extent, methodological aspects that characterize the neo-Schumpeterian theory (Nelson and Winter, 1982) compared to those of the neoclassical theory. It also discusses how the differences between these theories lead to a different analysis of the innovation process, which translates into a dissimilar conception on the role of technology policy and intellectual property. Finally it examines the influence of both theories in the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation and in the debate on intellectual property. (C) 2014 Asociacion Cuadernos de Economia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.