National Innovation Systems, Social Inclusion and Development: The Latin American Experience expands the innovation systems framework by placing social inclusion at the centre of development. Edited by Gabriela Dutrénit and Judith Sutz, the volume examines how science, technology and innovation (STI) can contribute not only to economic growth and competitiveness but also to reducing inequality, improving quality of life and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations across Latin America.
The book challenges conventional approaches that view innovation primarily as a driver of productivity and industrial performance. Instead, it argues that innovation systems should also be assessed by their capacity to generate inclusive development. This requires recognising the diverse ways in which knowledge is created, shared and applied, while ensuring that innovation benefits broader segments of society rather than a limited group of firms or sectors.
Drawing on the concept of National Innovation Systems (NIS), the contributors analyse how governments, universities, research institutions, firms and civil society organisations interact to produce and diffuse knowledge. The chapters demonstrate that stronger connections among these actors can help address pressing social challenges, including poverty, access to healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and employment. Innovation is therefore presented as a means of creating both economic and social value.
The volume includes empirical studies from several Latin American countries, illustrating how different institutional arrangements and policy initiatives have sought to strengthen innovation while promoting inclusion. These case studies highlight successful experiences as well as persistent barriers, such as weak institutional coordination, unequal access to knowledge, limited research capacities and fragmented policy frameworks. Together, they show that innovation policies must be sensitive to local contexts and aligned with broader development objectives.
A key contribution of the book is its emphasis on inclusive innovation, showing that technological and organisational innovations can respond directly to societal needs when supported by appropriate institutions and public policies. The contributors argue that innovation should encourage participation, strengthen local capabilities and foster collaboration among a wide range of social and economic actors. This broader understanding expands the traditional boundaries of innovation policy and offers new opportunities for addressing inequality and exclusion.
The book also contributes to ongoing debates about the role of STI policies in developing countries. It demonstrates that innovation systems are most effective when they integrate economic objectives with social priorities, promoting learning, capability building and long-term institutional development. By linking innovation with inclusion, the volume offers an important framework for understanding development in contexts characterised by significant social and economic disparities.
Combining conceptual advances with rich empirical evidence, National Innovation Systems, Social Inclusion and Development has become a significant reference in innovation studies and development research. Its insights continue to inform scholars and policymakers seeking to design innovation systems that contribute to more equitable, resilient and sustainable societies.
