The Tenth Globelics International Conference, held in Hangzhou, China, from 9 to 11 November 2012, represented a significant moment in the evolution of the Globelics network. Under the theme “Innovation and Development: Opportunities and Challenges in Globalisation,” the conference brought together scholars, policymakers, and development practitioners to examine how innovation processes were being transformed by the increasing integration of national economies into global markets.
The choice of China as host country was particularly meaningful. During the previous decades, China had emerged as one of the most dynamic examples of technological upgrading and economic transformation in the world. As a result, Hangzhou provided an ideal setting for discussions about the relationship between globalization, innovation, industrial development, and long-term economic growth. Participants were able to reflect not only on theoretical debates but also on practical experiences drawn from rapidly developing economies.
The intellectual foundations of the conference were strongly influenced by Bengt-Åke Lundvall, whose work on innovation systems continued to provide a common framework for understanding development processes. His contributions emphasized that economic growth depends not only on technological investments but also on learning capabilities, institutional arrangements, and knowledge exchange among different actors. These ideas remained central to many of the discussions that took place during the conference.
Another important figure was Mammo Muchie, who promoted the participation of scholars from Africa and other developing regions. His work highlighted the importance of ensuring that innovation policies address social and developmental challenges rather than focusing exclusively on economic performance. Together with other leaders of the Globelics network, he contributed to maintaining the conference’s commitment to inclusive and internationally diverse perspectives.
The conference also benefited from the involvement of distinguished scholars such as Richard Nelson, Shulin Gu, Cristina Chaminade, José Eduardo Cassiolato, Gabriela Dutrénit, Judith Sutz, and Luc Soete. Their research covered a wide range of topics including technological capability building, global value chains, industrial policy, university–industry collaboration, knowledge networks, and innovation systems. Their contributions reflected the multidisciplinary nature of Globelics and its effort to connect economic theory with real-world development challenges.
A notable characteristic of the Hangzhou meeting was its emphasis on globalization. Participants explored how firms, universities, governments, and research institutions interact within increasingly complex international networks. Special attention was given to the opportunities created by global knowledge flows as well as the risks associated with technological dependence and uneven development. These discussions were particularly relevant for emerging economies seeking to strengthen their innovation capacities while remaining integrated into the global economy.
Rather than focusing solely on technological achievements, the conference encouraged participants to consider innovation as a broader social process involving institutions, learning mechanisms, and collaborative networks. The debates held in Hangzhou illustrated how innovation can contribute to development when it is supported by effective policies, strong institutions, and sustained investments in human capabilities. The conference therefore served as an important platform for advancing international dialogue on innovation, globalization, and economic development in the twenty-first century.