This paper analyses the issues in attempting to replicate the Californian Innovation System (IS) in Latin American contexts. We try to establish the parallels for Latin American countries by identifying the fundamental elements and feedback loops that were necessary to the emergence of Silicon Valley and their strengths in the technology and software industry. We compare three scenarios through analysing their technological change trajectories: Silicon Valley, Colombia and Brazil. Using theoretical frameworks relevant for innovation studies such as path dependence on technical change trajectories, accumulation of technological capabilities, national and regional IS, Pavitt’s taxonomy, and supply-chain trade; we explain why Latin American countries and policymakers should not try to pursue the same path as Silicon Valley trying to catch-up in the technology and software industries. More...