Strategy & Games
Non-linear Catch-up Paradox in Technology Leadership
When a country establishes a technological lead in a critical domain, the catch-up dilemma for followers extends beyond the technology itself—the entire industrial ecosystem (supply chains, talent pools, standard-setting power, user feedback loops) becomes locked in by the leader. The more resources followers invest, the more easily they fall into a trap where they 'run faster but always remain one step behind'—because the leader continues to evolve and maintains the advantage of market feedback.
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