copying technology makes you fall behind
Delegating the R&D process to catch up faster on cutting edge technologies will leave you permanently chasing instead of bringing you to the leading pack.
Soviet technological research programs mostly failed because they tried to delegate the R&D part to the USA and simply copy the final technology, with the intent of catching up by cutting corners and then investing only once they were on the same level; this largely failed because the plan was missing fundamental ingredients of the innovation process.
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supports →In order to preserve a geopolitical edge, countries must invest in state funded programs that leverage talents, technical expertise and an entrepreneurial risk taking mindset to maximise the innovation return.If copying worked, the necessity claim collapses.