The primary concern of this contribution is to determine whether the skills required to use microelectronics‐related innovations are a constraint to developing countries adopting these technologies. Based upon a case study of the computer‐aided design sector (which is growing very rapidly and provides substantial benefits to innovating firms), the conclusion is that, while the technology is often easier to use, the close relationship required between different users and between users and suppliers, makes it likely that the technology will be more appropriate to the operating environments of developed countries.