The aim of the present work is to join an empirical and a theoretical study in a complementary way. This is done to study the mechanisms of development patterns, concentrating on the issue of industrial development. We first present the results of an in-depth analysis of a small case of industrial development, Costa Rica, in which we study both its micro meso and macro dynamics. Then, we implement an agent based input-output development model, using the micro and meso evidence on the Costa Rican experience to shape crucial functional forms and to parametrise the model. The model then allows us to speculate on Costa Rican development attainments, to analyse the effects of micro-macro interactions, and how they may improve our understanding of general pattern of development.