Patterns of technological capability development in Iran's steel industry: An analysis based on windows of opportunity for technological learning

The concept of windows of opportunity is more focused on innovation development. Nevertheless, for accumulating capabilities and reduce gap with the advanced world, latecomers should use these windows of opportunity and technological learning strategies simultaneously. Based on this concept, Iran's steel can achieve innovation in some processes and there for, reviewing the experience of this industry can have lessons learned for other mineral industries as well. Using the mixed method (Case study and Multicriteria decision-making model), this research has tried to investigate and explain the opportunities for technological learning in institutional, demand, and technology dimensions. The Results showed that the government uses planning, investment, financing mechanisms, public procurement, and empowerment policies that open windows of opportunity to firms for learning technology and enhancing innovation capabilities. On the other hand, enhancing absorptive capacity through learning by doing, emergence and development of technical-engineering companies, suppliers of equipment and parts abilities, and Innovation through R&D efforts, buying technology licenses, join manufacturing the equipment with MNCs and suppliers were the most import of windows for technological learning. Result of the DEMATEL technique, not only describe the interrelationship between all windows of opportunity, but also it shows that smart and open relationship with the world which affects by sanctions is the most influential factor for technological learning.