Many economists assume that all developing countries are equally well placed to absorb technologies from abroad, but this is wishful thinking. Whatever the channel, geographical conditions are important. Successful importers of technology tend to be close to big markets or on principal sea routes or both. Countries that do not keep up with global technology often collapse, unable even to maintain their standard of living, much less increase it. They usually depend on a narrow range of exports that lose their profitability in the world economy.
Copper is displaced by fibre optics.
Natural rubber and jute are displaced by new synthetic materials. Demographic pressures magnify the risks. Poor countries typically experience rapid population growth until urbanisation, education of women, and especially falling childhood mortality lead couples to reduce their fertility. In technologically-stagnant countries, however, all these factors are subdued. Urban jobs are few because technological backwardness limits export competitiveness in urban-based manufactures and services.