BRICS and Development Alternatives: Innovation Systems and Policies explores how Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have emerged as influential actors in the global economy through the development of innovation capabilities and context-specific policy strategies. Edited by Bengt-Åke Lundvall, the volume examines how these rapidly growing economies have combined technological learning, institutional change and public policy to pursue new pathways for economic and social development.
Drawing on the innovation systems perspective, the book argues that sustainable development depends not only on investments in science and technology, but also on the interactions among firms, universities, governments, research organisations and civil society. These relationships create the conditions for learning, knowledge creation and capability building, enabling countries to strengthen their competitiveness while addressing broader development challenges.
A key contribution of the volume is its comparative analysis of the five BRICS countries. Although they share the ambition of achieving innovation-led development, each has followed a distinct trajectory shaped by its historical experience, institutional framework, industrial structure and policy choices. The contributors examine both common opportunities and country-specific challenges, demonstrating that there is no single model for building an effective innovation system.
The book pays particular attention to the role of public policy in promoting structural transformation and inclusive growth. It discusses how education, research institutions, industrial policy and innovation governance can foster domestic capabilities and support technological upgrading. At the same time, it recognises that globalisation presents both opportunities and constraints, requiring countries to balance international integration with the development of strong local knowledge bases and productive capacities.
Another recurring theme is the importance of learning as the foundation of innovation. The contributors emphasise that innovation extends beyond research and development to include organisational change, skills development, collaboration and the continuous accumulation of capabilities. This broader understanding is especially relevant for emerging economies seeking to reduce technological dependence while increasing their participation in global production and knowledge networks.
By bringing together perspectives from economics, innovation studies and development research, the volume provides valuable insights into the relationship between innovation and development in the twenty-first century. It highlights the strategic importance of institutions, governance and policy coordination in creating innovation systems that are both dynamic and socially inclusive.
BRICS and Development Alternatives remains an important reference for researchers, policymakers and students interested in innovation systems, emerging economies and development policy. Its comparative approach offers lessons that extend beyond the BRICS countries, contributing to broader debates on how innovation can support equitable, resilient and sustainable development across the Global South.
