The article is devoted to the study of the transformation of global technological exchange in the context of the increased relevance of protectionist policy and reconsidering the role of the national economy in modern realities. The study is based on a combination of theoretical and historical-comparative approaches. The analysis is based on F. List's classical theory of the "national economy", demonstrating the relevance of protecting domestic productive forces in developing countries, which is compared with modern forms of neo-protectionism. Additionally, a historical and comparative analysis for the economic policies of a number of countries was carried out, which allowed identifying common pat-terns and differences in the application of protectionist measures in different eras and in different economic conditions. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated approach to comparing F. List's classical theory of protectionism with modern forms of neo-protectionism. In the work, these concepts are considered as complementary mechanisms for protection and development of national productive forces, requiring a balanced application. The advantages and risks of free trade policy, its negative consequences for countries with weak economic diversification are indicated. The historical examples of successful use of protectionism are analyzed, including the experience of the United States, European countries and Southeast Asia. The latest mechanisms of "smart" and neoprotectionism