I. Introduction It is widely accepted that economic development is primarily the result of investment in capital, labour, entrepreneurship, and science and technology (S&T). More recently, it has also been associated with the processes of globalization and innovation, and the appropriateness of institutional structures. Thus, in examining the technological development of Southeast Asian countries, we are looking at a complex interaction of elements. This requires an understanding of the process of economic development within the context of increasing globalization of economic activity, as well as the planning, implementation, and effectiveness of different policies. These elements are also intertwined with issues surrounding the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in policy-making, as distinct from national policies. Technological innovation and the role of S&T have been much debated issues in the context of ASEAN's socio-economic growth. The development of S&T in particular is seen as the basis for gaining access to and competing in world markets, as well as for supporting the Association's regional economic development objectives. For the majority of the ASEAN members, the rapid increase of technological and scientific knowledge has without doubt brought unprecedented, albeit rather uneven, economic growth and tangible social benefits. Notwithstanding that many of ASEAN member nations are relatively poor, the so-called technological revolution has led to a major restructuring of their primary and secondary sectors, and of transport and communication, and has improved the welfare of many citizens. However, the technological development of the ASEAN members now involves much more than the mere adaptation and imitation of existing technologies from developed countries. It often requires breakthrough innovations through intraregional or even international co-operation in S&T, with the active participation of a plethora of regional economic actors as well as market and non-market institutions. Thus, the main aim of this article is to acquire a better understanding of the institutional frameworks for technological policy formulation and implementation within ASEAN. A further aim is to understand the significance of the various types of ASEAN-led, state-led, and market-led technology strategies that are being pursued. There will also be an attempt to reevaluate the political and institutional preconditions necessary for the technological advancement of ASEAN. The article begins with a presentation of the institutional framework of ASEAN's technology and innovation policy. It continues with an account of the Association's technology and innovation structure, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of the national innovation systems and S&T policy. Finally, there is a discussion of the post-1997 crisis revaluation of policies, and a concluding section summarizes the findings and puts forwards some policy recommendations. II. The Institutional Framework of ASEAN's Technology and Innovation Policy Historical and Institutional Development ASEAN was formed in Bangkok in 1967 by the five original members, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, by which the aims of the Association were defined and the process of institutionalization initiated. The Association has employed the first of the three principles of the Declaration, that is, to promote economic, social, and cultural development of the region through intraregional collaboration and mutual assistance, to formulate policies on technological development, and to devise the appropriate institutional structures. ASEAN's initial response to the need for intraregional technological co-operation was first announced in 1970, when an ad hoc Committee on Science and Technology convened in Jakarta. …