Reimagining Innovation Systems in the COVID and Post-COVID World examines how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed innovation systems and reshaped the relationships among science, technology, public policy and society. Edited by Lakhwinder Singh and K.J. Joseph, the volume brings together international scholars to reflect on the lessons of the pandemic and explore how innovation systems can better address future global challenges.
The book argues that COVID-19 exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of existing innovation systems. While unprecedented scientific collaboration accelerated the development of vaccines, digital technologies and new forms of knowledge sharing, the crisis also revealed deep inequalities in access to healthcare, technological capabilities and institutional preparedness. These experiences highlight the need to rethink innovation systems so that they are not only more productive, but also more resilient, inclusive and responsive to societal needs.
Using the innovation systems framework, the contributors analyse how governments, universities, research organisations, firms and civil society interacted during the pandemic. The chapters demonstrate that effective responses depended on strong institutional coordination, collaborative governance and the ability to mobilise knowledge rapidly across organisational and national boundaries. Innovation is therefore presented as a collective process that requires trust, learning and flexible institutions capable of responding to unexpected disruptions.
The volume also examines how digital transformation accelerated during the pandemic, influencing education, healthcare, manufacturing, public services and business models. At the same time, it recognises that digital innovation alone cannot guarantee equitable development. The contributors emphasise the importance of strengthening local capabilities, reducing digital divides and ensuring that technological progress benefits all segments of society.
A central theme throughout the book is the relationship between innovation and resilience. The contributors argue that future innovation policies should move beyond narrow measures of competitiveness to incorporate broader societal goals such as public health, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and crisis preparedness. This requires innovation systems that support long-term learning, institutional adaptation and cross-sector collaboration while remaining responsive to rapidly changing global conditions.
The book also reflects on the implications of the pandemic for developing and emerging economies. It highlights the importance of domestic scientific capabilities, regional cooperation and effective science, technology and innovation (STI) policies in reducing dependence on external technologies and strengthening national resilience. These lessons are particularly relevant for countries seeking to build more robust innovation systems capable of addressing future health, environmental and economic challenges.
Combining conceptual reflection with empirical analysis, Reimagining Innovation Systems in the COVID and Post-COVID World offers an important contribution to contemporary innovation studies. It provides researchers, policymakers and development practitioners with valuable insights into how innovation systems can evolve to support more resilient, inclusive and sustainable development in an increasingly uncertain world.
