The emerging markets developed the institutions and the skills base needed to import and adapt technology, which is easier than generating new technology from scratch. The pace of catch-up growth declines only gradually over time, as the less advanced economies slowly move closer to the technological frontier.
20世纪80年代末以来的经济趋同过程很大程度上要归因于“赶超”增长。新兴市场发展了进口和适应技术所需要的制度和技能基础，这比自主开发新技术容易得多。随着技术较不发达经济体慢慢地接近技术前沿，赶超增长速度也随时间的推移而渐渐下降。