Using the advantage of backwardness is a feasible way for developing countries to catch up with developed countries. Based on the extended Ricardo trade model, this paper discusses whether the developing countries can achieve economic growth through technological catch-up and constructs highly detailed indicators for empirical analysis from the perspective of global value chain. It is found that under the background of global value chain, technology catch-up plays a significant positive role in economic growth, and this effect is more obvious for long-term economic growth. In addition, on the basis of giving full play to comparative advantages, technological catch-up by seeking vertical innovation and improving productivity can play a more significant role in promoting the economy of large countries. As the largest developing country, China's technological catchup is of great significance to maintain the high quality and sustainability of economic development.