The 12th Globelics Conference (2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) was hosted by Addis Ababa University and Adama Science and Technology University, under the theme “Partnerships for Innovation-Based Development.” It brought together more than 250 researchers and policymakers from across the world, highlighting Africa’s growing role in global innovation studies.
Held from October 29 to 31, 2014, the conference was organized in collaboration with the African Union, which emphasized the importance of science, technology, and innovation for the continent’s Agenda 2063. The local organizing committee, led by Ethiopian academics such as Asmare Emerie, Fenta Mandefro, and Aklilu Dessalegn from Addis Ababa University, ensured strong regional participation and created a platform for African scholars to showcase their research. Their role was crucial in positioning Ethiopia as a hub for debates on innovation-based development.
The Scientific Committee was composed of leading figures in the Globelics network, including Bengt-Åke Lundvall (Aalborg University, Denmark), Richard Nelson (Columbia University, USA), Luc Soete (Maastricht University, Netherlands), Gabriela Dutrénit (Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico), and José Eduardo Cassiolato (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Their responsibility was to guarantee academic rigor, review submissions, and guide the plenary sessions. The committee also encouraged the participation of young researchers, reinforcing Globelics’ mission of competence building and inclusivity.
Two keynote lectures stood out as highlights of the conference. The 2014 Freeman Lecture was delivered by Martin Bell (University of Sussex, United Kingdom), who reflected on the evolution of innovation systems research and its relevance for developing countries. The 2014 Globelics Lecture was given by Calestous Juma (Harvard University, USA/Kenya), who emphasized the role of science and technology in Africa’s transformation and the need for partnerships to drive innovation-based development. These lectures provided both theoretical depth and practical insights, linking global debates to African realities.
Beyond the plenaries, the conference featured parallel sessions and panel discussions showcasing case studies of innovation from Africa and other regions. Topics included agricultural innovation, industrial upgrading, sustainability, and the role of universities in national innovation systems. The African Union Research Grant Forum was held alongside the conference, allowing participants to discuss the progress of AU-funded projects and their impact on building research capacity across the continent.
The significance of the 12th Globelics Conference lies in its ability to bridge global and local perspectives. By hosting the event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Globelics reinforced its commitment to understanding innovation from diverse contexts and promoting South-South collaboration. The organizers ensured that African voices were central to the discussions, while the international scientific committee provided global expertise. The keynote speakers and panelists enriched the dialogue, making this edition a milestone in the integration of African innovation studies into the broader Globelics network.
In summary, the 12th Globelics Conference (2014, Addis Ababa) was not only an academic gathering but also a strategic platform for policy dialogue and capacity building. It showcased Africa’s potential in science, technology, and innovation, while reaffirming Globelics’ mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development through global partnerships.