The framework of building indigenous technological innovation capabilities: A conceptual study focused on Saudi Arabia

This conceptual article aims to contribute to the literature by identifying and analyzing the four-stage model of building indigenous technological innovation capabilities in developing countries, particularly in Middle Eastern countries. In addition, this article explores factors affecting the environment and actors in the indigenous technological innovation capabilities process and applies the indigenous technological innovation capabilities-building model to the Saudi Arabian context. The research question guiding this study is: What are the key factors and challenges in indigenous technological innovation capability building for Saudi Arabia, and how do they influence Middle Eastern firms? We propose a four-stage model of indigenous technological innovation capability building in developing countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. The model comprises four stages: technology initiation, technology imitation, technological improvement, and technological innovation. Finally, this study concludes with theoretical contributions and future work.