The Ninth Globelics International Conference, entitled “Creativity, Innovation and Economic Development,” took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 15 to 17 November 2011. Organized by a consortium of Argentine institutions led by the Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, the event gathered researchers, policymakers, and development specialists interested in understanding how innovation can contribute to economic transformation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Unlike earlier discussions that focused primarily on technological progress, the conference placed creativity at the center of the debate. Participants examined how new ideas emerge within firms, universities, public institutions, and communities, and how these ideas can be transformed into economic and social value. The conference emphasized that innovation is not restricted to laboratories or high-technology sectors; it is also shaped by cultural, institutional, and social factors that influence the way societies learn and adapt.
The intellectual leadership of the conference was strongly associated with Bengt-Åke Lundvall, whose work on innovation systems continued to influence discussions across multiple sessions. His contributions encouraged participants to view development as a learning process in which knowledge creation, institutional capacity, and collaboration among different actors play a decisive role. This perspective provided a common framework connecting many of the conference themes.
One of the distinctive features of the Buenos Aires meeting was its attention to social inclusion and sustainability. Mariano Fressoli and Hernán Thomas helped organize activities that explored alternative forms of innovation capable of addressing social needs and environmental challenges. Their work reflected a growing interest within the Globelics community in understanding how innovation can contribute not only to economic growth but also to broader societal goals.
The conference also benefited from the participation of Adrian Ely and Adrian Smith, who introduced perspectives on grassroots innovation and socio-technical change. Their contributions highlighted the importance of local initiatives, community knowledge, and participatory approaches in the development process. These discussions encouraged participants to reconsider conventional views of innovation and to recognize the value of solutions emerging outside traditional research and industrial environments.
Another important contribution came from Rasmus Lema, whose research addressed the relationship between globalization, industrial development, and technological capabilities. His work illustrated how firms and industries in developing countries can strengthen their positions within global production networks while simultaneously building local knowledge and innovation capacities.
The Buenos Aires conference took place during a period when many emerging economies were seeking new development strategies in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. As a result, discussions frequently addressed questions concerning resilience, structural transformation, and long-term competitiveness. Rather than presenting innovation as an isolated economic phenomenon, participants portrayed it as a dynamic process deeply connected to institutions, social actors, and development objectives.
By bringing together diverse perspectives from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, the conference demonstrated the growing maturity of the Globelics network and its ability to generate meaningful dialogue across regions. The event served as a platform for exploring how creativity and innovation can support more inclusive and sustainable forms of economic development in a rapidly changing global environment.