Published to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Innovation and Development, A Decade of Innovation and Development reflects on the journal’s evolution and its contribution to advancing research at the intersection of innovation, learning, and economic development. Written by K. J. Joseph, Susan Cozzens, Claudia De Fuentes, Gabriela Dutrénit, Glenda Kruss, and Rasmus Lema, the article examines how the journal has become an important platform for scholars addressing development challenges through the lens of innovation systems and capability building.
The authors explain that the journal was founded with the objective of giving greater visibility to research focused on the Global South. While many innovation studies traditionally concentrated on advanced economies, Innovation and Development created a space where scholars could explore how innovation contributes to development in diverse economic, institutional, and social contexts. Over its first decade, the journal has published research that bridges theory, empirical evidence, and policy, encouraging dialogue among academics, policymakers, and practitioners.
A key message of the article is that innovation has become increasingly central to addressing global challenges. Climate change, digital transformation, health emergencies, inequality, and industrial upgrading require innovation policies that go beyond technological advancement alone. The journal has consistently promoted research showing that development depends on strengthening institutions, building technological capabilities, fostering inclusive innovation, and supporting learning across firms, universities, governments, and civil society. These themes closely reflect the principles that have guided the Globelics community since its creation.
The authors also review the journal’s intellectual diversity. Contributions have examined topics ranging from national and regional innovation systems to industrial policy, sustainability transitions, entrepreneurship, value chains, digitalization, and inclusive innovation. This broad perspective has encouraged interdisciplinary research while maintaining a strong focus on the practical implications of innovation for economic and social development. By bringing together experiences from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other developing regions, the journal has expanded the global conversation on innovation and development.
Looking to the future, the article argues that the next decade presents new opportunities and responsibilities for innovation scholars. Emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, geopolitical uncertainty, and persistent inequalities demand fresh research agendas and stronger collaboration across disciplines and regions. The authors emphasize that Innovation and Development will continue serving as a platform for critical scholarship that supports evidence-based policymaking and contributes to more inclusive and sustainable development pathways.
Overall, the article celebrates the journal’s first ten years as more than an editorial milestone. It recognizes the role that Innovation and Development has played in strengthening an international research community committed to understanding how innovation can improve development outcomes and generate positive societal change.
