Catalysing the entrepreneurial spirit in a developmental state: Examining the innovative behaviour of public managers in Bangladesh

The focus of this chapter is not to explain the macro-drivers of growth that often feature in the developmental state literature, such as government subsidies, export promotion or import control. Rather, the purpose is to explain the strategic interventions of the state (Fritz and Menocal, 2007) at a more micro-level, particularly interventions related to the bureaucratic apparatus, which is one of the main proponents in a developmental state. This chapter thus explains how the Bangladeshi bureaucratic apparatus has been enhanced and strengthened through state-sponsored activities that have contributed to the state’s development activities. Special attention is given to recent efforts to inculcate a culture of innovation in the public administration in order to enhance the capacities of public servants.