Using the National Innovation System Framework to Guide Innovation Policy in Developing Countries

Abstract

The current economy is caracterised by innovation as a key driver of competitiveness and growth. In this context, the concept of National Innovation System (NIS) gaines an increasing adoption among scholars and policymakers. It is used as an analytical and steering tool to improve national innovation performance. If NIS has been widely used in developed countries, its implementation in the context of developing economies stills hampered by lots of controversies.

This paper shows how would NIS be implemented in developing countries. It offers a critical review of the NIS literature. First, the global economic context that makes NIS relevant is discussed. Then, the theoretical foundations and critiques of the concept are clarified. After, the paper cope with the implementaion of NIS on micro, meso, and macro levels and its implications for innovation policy design. A particular attention is set on developing countries.