Asia’s Innovation Systems in Transition explores the profound transformation of innovation systems across Asia as countries respond to globalisation, technological change and increasing international competition. Edited by Jan Vang, the volume brings together leading scholars to examine how different Asian economies are developing their innovation capabilities while addressing the institutional and structural challenges associated with economic development.
The book adopts the innovation systems perspective to analyse the interactions among firms, universities, governments and other organisations that shape knowledge creation, diffusion and use. Rather than viewing innovation as the result of isolated technological advances, it highlights the importance of learning processes, institutional development and collaboration in strengthening national and regional innovation systems.
One of the book’s central contributions is its emphasis on the diversity of development paths across Asia. It demonstrates that there is no single model of innovation-led growth. Instead, countries have followed distinct trajectories depending on their historical context, industrial structure, policy choices and institutional capabilities. Through comparative case studies, the book illustrates how economies at different stages of development have sought to enhance technological capabilities, upgrade industrial production and integrate into global knowledge networks.
The volume pays particular attention to the challenges faced by developing and emerging economies. It discusses issues such as capability building, the role of foreign direct investment, university–industry collaboration, knowledge-intensive services and the development of science and technology policies. Several chapters also explore how regional and global production networks influence innovation performance, creating both opportunities and constraints for latecomer economies.
A recurring theme throughout the book is that innovation depends not only on investments in research and development but also on effective institutions that promote learning, trust and interaction among diverse actors. Governments play a critical role in creating enabling environments through education, infrastructure, industrial policy and support for research organisations. At the same time, firms must develop absorptive capacities that allow them to adapt, combine and generate new knowledge.
Although the book focuses on Asian experiences, its insights have broad relevance for scholars and policymakers interested in innovation, development and structural transformation. It demonstrates how the innovation systems approach can help explain differences in economic performance and offers valuable lessons for other developing regions seeking to strengthen their technological capabilities.
By combining theoretical perspectives with rich empirical evidence, Asia’s Innovation Systems in Transition has become an important reference for understanding innovation processes in emerging economies. Its analysis continues to inform research and policy debates on science, technology and innovation, particularly in the context of economic upgrading, inclusive development and participation in the global knowledge economy.
