In Innovation in Developing Countries: Examining Two Decades of Research, Rasmus Lema, Erika Kraemer-Mbula, and Milena Rakas provide a comprehensive review of how innovation research focused on developing countries has evolved over the past twenty years. The article examines the major themes, conceptual advances, and research trends that have shaped the field, offering valuable insights into how innovation studies have increasingly addressed the realities and development challenges of the Global South.
The authors explain that early research largely concentrated on technology transfer, industrial catch-up, and the development of technological capabilities. Over time, however, the field expanded considerably, incorporating perspectives from evolutionary economics, innovation systems, global value chains, sustainability transitions, digital transformation, and inclusive innovation. This evolution reflects a growing recognition that innovation is a complex, context-dependent process influenced by institutions, learning, governance, and social conditions rather than by technology alone.
A key finding of the review is that developing countries have become active contributors to innovation research rather than simply subjects of analysis. Increasing collaboration among researchers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions has generated new knowledge grounded in local experiences and institutional realities. Networks such as Globelics have played an important role in supporting this transformation by strengthening research capacity, encouraging international collaboration, and providing platforms where scholars from the Global South can exchange ideas and develop new research agendas.
The article also identifies several emerging themes that are shaping the future of innovation studies. These include digital technologies and digitalization, green innovation and sustainability, innovation for social inclusion, resilience in the face of global crises, and the role of innovation in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. The authors argue that these challenges require more interdisciplinary research and stronger connections between academic work and public policy, ensuring that innovation contributes to broader societal objectives.
Another important contribution of the paper is its reflection on research methodologies and theoretical development. The authors encourage greater use of comparative studies, longitudinal analyses, and mixed research methods to better understand the diversity of innovation processes across different national and regional contexts. They also call for stronger engagement with policymakers and practitioners to ensure that research findings translate into effective development strategies.
Overall, the article concludes that innovation research in developing countries has matured into a dynamic and globally relevant field. While significant progress has been made over the past two decades, future research must continue exploring new technological, environmental, and institutional challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. The review serves both as a reflection on past achievements and as a roadmap for the next generation of innovation scholarship.
