Capability Building and Global Innovation Networks

This book explores the dynamics of global innovation networks and their implications for development. Knowledge is often seen as the main determinant of economic growth, competitiveness and employment. There is a strong causal interaction between capability building and the growth in demand for, and supply of, technical and organizational innovation. This complex of skills, knowledge and innovation holds great potential benefit for development, particularly in the context of developing countries. However, despite evidence of the increasing importance of knowledge and innovation, there has been relatively little research to understand the distribution and coordination of innovation and knowledge-intensive economic activities on a global scale – and what this might mean for economic development.

Each chapter – though sharing an underlying conception of innovation systems, innovation networks and their relation to capability-building and development – takes a different theoretical stance. The authors explore the emerging relationship between competence building and the structure of global innovation networks, thus providing a valuable new perspective from which to critically assess their development potential.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Innovation and Development.

Michael Gastrow is a Senior Research Specialist in the Education and Skills Development programme at the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa. His research focuses on innovation systems, skills development, and the public understanding of science.

Glenda Kruss is a Director in the Education and Skills Development programme at the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa. Her research focuses on higher education, innovation and development, exploring responsiveness to economic and social needs, and skills development.