This study criticizes the theory of „catch-up” development, which is assessed as an ideological model in the system of neoliberalism, recommending the „opening” of national markets for the free movement of goods, capital, people and resources, leading to economic dynamism, social progress and peaceful existence. It is proven that more developed economies have never benefited from the idea of „catch-up” development, but they have always pursued protectionist policies until a point when their production became more competitive than analogues in other countries, after which they insisted on free markets in other countries in order to derive benefits. The alternative to catch-up development is „sovereign” development – the ability of a country to formulate and implement its own industrial and technological policy, meeting its specificities and long-term interests, instead of following universal recipes designed by others. „Sovereign” development is a prerequisite, but not sufficient, for achieving high economic results. What China and other countries have achieved is not only sovereign, but also „leapfrogging” development in key sectors of the economy. The factors and conditions that have allowed the use of the model of sovereign leapfrogging development in China and other countries, are analysed, along with the existing barriers. It is proven that the concept of „leapfrogging” development is fully applicable to weaker and relatively dependent countries (such as Bulgaria), despite global, structural and institutional challenges. The key is in the strategic choice of sectors and the understanding that „leapfrogging” is not simply copying foreign experience but using new technological paradigms and niches.