Creating your own path to move beyond the middle- income trap: lessons from Korea

Abstract The development experience observed in Korea has been a symbol of successful catch-up for several decades. This process allowed its upward transition from middle income to high-income status and drawn the attention many streams scholars. More recently, emergent research improved our understanding this policy implications developing countries (Lee, 2013; 2016; 2019). paper proposes review what literature say about mechanisms behind path followed by discussion lessons overcome middle-income trap. It is argued that latecomers do not limit themselves follow technological advanced alternative paths are possible. main implication possible yet difficult achieve because it requires taking detours leapfroging into new technologies.