Research Handbook on Innovation Governance for Emerging Economies

Towards Better Models

Eu-SPRI Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation Policy series

Edited by Stefan Kuhlmann, Chair, Faculty Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, the Netherlands and Gonzalo Ordóñez-Matamoros, University of Twente, the Netherlands and Universidad Externado de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia

Although in recent years some emerging economies have improved their performance in terms of R&D investment, outputs and innovative capacity, these countries are still blighted by extreme poverty, inequality and social exclusion. Hence, emerging countries are exposed to conditions which differ quite substantially from the dominant OECD model of innovation policy for development and welfare. This Research Handbook contributes to the debate by looking at how innovation theory, policy and practice interact, and explains different types of configurations in countries that are characterized by two contrasting but mutually reinforcing features: systemic failure and resourcefulness. Focusing on innovation governance and public policies, it aims to understand related governance failures and to explore options for alternative, more efficient approaches.

‘This Research Handbook addresses head-on one of the main challenges of the 21st century: how to realize the new Sustainable Development Goals in emerging economies and developing countries. The contributors not only offer first-rate and original research, but also daringly take normative stances on how to better use knowledge, science, technology and innovation for development. The volume critically reviews existing innovation policies and convincingly offers a comprehensive set of alternative models. The turn from a traditional growth-based innovation policy to a more socially inclusive policy transcends the divide between development studies and science, technology and innovation studies. This book therefore is also highly relevant for the emerging field of RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation).’
– Wiebe E. Bijker, Maastricht University, the Netherlands

‘This Research Handbook brings together critical and constructive voices from scholars from the Global South. They give examples from Africa, Asia and Latin America, illustrating barriers and opportunities when it comes to policy efforts to mobilize knowledge and innovation for inclusive development. The authors show that to turn barriers into opportunities requires a threefold effort: adaptation of theories to context, building policy capabilities and investing in social capital. This book represents a useful step toward defining more adequate development strategies balancing economic well-being with social inclusion.’
– Bengt-Åke Lundvall, Aalborg University, Denmark