Theory of convergence

The catch-up effect, also called the theory of convergence, states that poorer economies tend to grow at faster rates than richer economies. Therefore, all economies should in the long run converge in terms of per capita income and productivity. Developing countries have the potential to grow at a faster rate than developed countries as they can replicate production methods, technologies and institutions currently used in developed countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch-up_effect