The stages of technological change in maize production in commercial and small-scale semisubsistence systems are discussed and variation in the use of improved varieties/hybrids and adoption of associated inputs are noted. The impacts of the new biotechnologies and the increasing emphasis on resource-conserving technologies are also discussed with respect to prospects for technological progress in maize production in developing countries. Finally, strategic decisions that must be made by national agricultural research systems in developing countries are reviewed, especially decisions related to the relative emphasis to give to development of improved open-pollinated or hybrid maize varieties; the participation of the public and private sectors in research to achieve technological progress in maize production; and the types of farmers on which the public research system should focus its efforts.