• Nanotechnology
• Patent Citation Analysis

Industrial Policy has always been a crucial point of discussion in every country of the world. In this period of crisis, the topic is much debated. Object of this dissertation is to present the two major economic schools of thought, the neoclassical (mainstream) and the evolutionary ones, in order to catch the most important policy recommendations. Furthermore, I discuss the point of view of Mazzucato about the role of the State in the technological innovation process. Due to the strategic importance of the nanotechnology industry, I assess through a patent citation analysis the performance of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, probably the most important mission-oriented program interesting the nanotechnology sector. We will nonetheless ascertain that the empirical results (most likely due to the program peculiar goals) do not confirm the Mazzucato provisions.