National competitiveness has been the subject of attention in academic and entrepeneurial forums as well as a matter of concern for governmental, industrial, and education-form policy makers. In this paper, we discuss the conditions for national competitiveness in terms of the innovation systems, foreign direct investment, technological capabilities, innovation and institutions. Innovative countries benefit from localized learning that may be exploited within and across borders. Participation in research networks is not the sole avenue to development when in presence of an attitude that promotes learning and the adoption of the most recent technologies.

Key-words: Technological Development. National Competitiveness