Abstract
The National Innovation System approach is one of the approaches -emerging from economics- that studies development considering innovations, change and technological progress, from a micro-meso-economic perspective, influenced by the macro context in which it is inserted. In developing countries, the National Innovation System is considered as a subject of policy, as an objective to be achieved. It tries to explain the path of developed countries and tries to lead developing countries to achieve technological development. Considering the above, the objective of this paper is to highlight the characteristics of the National Innovation System approach, trying to put it in perspective with the mainstream of technological development. After reviewing the literature, technological development implies a great challenge for policy makers, as well as for companies, other institutions, and society itself. There is no single path since the characteristics of each country make each case different. Moreover, it requires a state present in the public-private articulation so that, through innovations, the path towards technological development is consolidated.