This is a lengthy review with a lot to unpack.
There is a lot of emphasis on “the elite” as being the primary driver for economic development. I wonder, do they have a specific definition for who “the elite” are (aside from being exceptionally wealthy?) I suppose that might vary from country to country.
Usually, elites take a dim view of economic growth. They might be fans of the idea that they control a more powerful country, but they usually don't like the means it takes to get there. The problem from the elites' perspective is that the policies which are required for development are damaging to their interests.
I would assume their interests here are self-preservation. Greater economic development is usually correlated with an expanded middle class which has more money influence.