The Eighth Globelics Conference, entitled “Making Innovation Work for Society: Linking, Leveraging and Learning,” was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 1 to 3, 2010. Hosted by the University of Malaya, the conference represented an important milestone in the history of the Globelics network, as Malaysia became the first Southeast Asian country to host the event. The conference brought together approximately four hundred researchers, policymakers, and development specialists from around the world to discuss the role of innovation in addressing contemporary economic and social challenges.
The central theme of the conference emphasized the need to make innovation work for society rather than viewing it solely as a source of economic growth. Participants explored how innovation systems can contribute to social welfare, sustainable development, industrial upgrading, and improved quality of life. The conference highlighted the importance of linking different actors within innovation systems, leveraging existing capabilities, and fostering learning processes that support long-term development.
A key figure in the conference was Rajah Rasiah, who served as Conference Chair and principal organizer. Through his leadership, the event focused strongly on the experiences of developing and emerging economies, particularly those in Asia. His work on technological capability building, industrial policy, and economic development provided an important framework for many of the discussions held during the conference. The successful organization of the event further strengthened Malaysia’s position within international innovation studies.
The conference also benefited from the intellectual leadership of Bengt-Åke Lundvall, founder of the Globelics network and one of the most influential scholars in innovation systems research. His contributions reinforced the importance of learning, knowledge exchange, and institutional cooperation as essential components of economic development. Lundvall’s ideas continued to serve as a theoretical foundation for many of the conference sessions and debates.
Among the academic participants were Claes Brundenius and Bo Göransson, whose research explored the changing role of universities in modern societies. Their work contributed to discussions on how higher education institutions can simultaneously support teaching, research, and societal engagement while promoting innovation and development.
Throughout the conference, participants examined topics such as innovation systems, technological capability building, university–industry collaboration, environmental sustainability, industrial development, knowledge networks, and public policy. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by developing countries seeking to strengthen their innovation capabilities while maintaining inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Eighth Globelics Conference reinforced the network’s commitment to understanding innovation as a social and developmental process. By focusing on linking actors, leveraging capabilities, and fostering learning, the conference demonstrated how innovation can contribute not only to competitiveness but also to broader societal progress and sustainable development.