Interactions between firms and universities are key building blocks of innovation systems. With a focus on developing countries, this book presents novel comparative research spanning three continents. The result is a more universal and dynamic view of the shaping and reshaping of interactions between firms and universities within different countries in various stages of development.Through expert contributions, a combination of empirical investigations and theoretical discussion is presented, existing studies on innovation systems are quantified and further avenues of research suggested. Readers will establish a more universal understanding of the vibrant relationship between firms and universities, and how this affects innovation for the future. Scholars of innovation, evolutionary economics, science and technology studies, and development studies will find the original research to be of great value. This book will also appeal to public research organizations and policy makers. Contributors: J.O. Adeoti, E. Albuquerque, V. Arza, I. Bortagaray, G. Britto, C. De Fuentes, G. Dutrenit, J.-H. Eun, A.C. Fernandes, G. Kruss, K. Lee, D. Nabudere, D. O'Brien, M. Pinho, L. Ribeiro, D. Schiller, W. Suzigan, C. Vazquez, Y.Wang, G. Wu

South African universities are mandated to promote scholarship that is socially and economically responsive to local contexts. The contribution of universities to innovation is a key driver of economic and social development, but should be more effectively harnessed to address poverty and inequality. Linking universities and marginalised communities examines how South African universities engage with the informal sector in marginalised communities to improve livelihoods through inclusive innovation. The knowledge imperatives of universities are explored in relation to the public good and social justice, and the roles of innovation and technology transfer. Case studies provide examples of coherence between teaching, research, innovation and community engagement, and illustrate the enablers and constraints to such interaction. These insights find policy application in the spheres of higher education, science and technology, and economic development. The analysis also provides lessons for innovation studies, pointing out the need to refine the notion of innovation so that it may be more appropriate for the developmental challenges of countries such as South Africa.

Science councils have been tasked with complex new mandates, to achieve these they have to interact with knowledge users in the private and public sectors and be of benefit to communities, particularly to those that are vulnerable and marginalised. What are the diverse forms of interaction in science councils with distinct legacies, what are the diverse forms of partners and what are their outcomes? What are some of the successful strategic policy interventions, organisational structures and internal incentive mechanisms that science councils have created to channel and promote these interactions? Questions such as these are addressed in this timely and groundbreaking research as it investigates how scientists interact with actors in the informal sector, social development and community spaces, alongside their role in technology development for industry and government actors. Balancing multiple mandates: The changing role of science councils in South Africa is an important study – building an evidence base to inform the contribution of science councils to innovation, poverty reduction and inclusive economic development in South Africa.

This book explores the dynamics of global innovation networks and their implications for development. Knowledge is often seen as the main determinant of economic growth, competitiveness and employment. There is a strong causal interaction between capability building and the growth in demand for, and supply of, technical and organizational innovation. This complex of skills, knowledge and innovation holds great potential benefit for development, particularly in the context of developing countries. However, despite evidence of the increasing importance of knowledge and innovation, there has been relatively little research to understand the distribution and coordination of innovation and knowledge-intensive economic activities on a global scale - and what this might mean for economic development. Each chapter - though sharing an underlying conception of innovation systems, innovation networks and their relation to capability-building and development - takes a different theoretical stance. The authors explore the emerging relationship between competence building and the structure of global innovation networks, thus providing a valuable new perspective from which to critically assess their development potential. This book was originally published as a special issue of Innovation and Development.

This book explores the dynamics of global innovation networks and their implications for development. Knowledge is often seen as the main determinant of economic growth, competitiveness and employment. There is a strong causal interaction between capability building and the growth in demand for, and supply of, technical and organizational innovation. This complex of skills, knowledge and innovation holds great potential benefit for development, particularly in the context of developing countries. However, despite evidence of the increasing importance of knowledge and innovation, there has been relatively little research to understand the distribution and coordination of innovation and knowledge-intensive economic activities on a global scale - and what this might mean for economic development. Each chapter - though sharing an underlying conception of innovation systems, innovation networks and their relation to capability-building and development - takes a different theoretical stance. The authors explore the emerging relationship between competence building and the structure of global innovation networks, thus providing a valuable new perspective from which to critically assess their development potential. This book was originally published as a special issue of Innovation and Development.

A lively debate on the relationship between the university and society in a developing country like South Africa is emerging. Academic Interaction looks at the main results of a research study on university interaction with external social partners. It centres on definitional boundaries around whether engagement requires new forms of knowledge that differ from traditional academic modes and around who is defined as `the community' - at local, regional, national or international levels. There is general agreement that the field is conceptually under-specified and theoretically rather thin. Academic Interaction presents a comprehensive data set stemming from research conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on behalf of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The study aims to present not only an analysis of `what exists' but also utilises an analytical approach that will encourage future debates to be more empirically informed, contextually grounded and hence conducted in a more rigorous and robust manner. This book will be of interest to higher education scholars across the globe as well as innovation systems scholars and university academics.