Gonzalo Ordonez-Matamoros

Research Handbook on Innovation Governance for Emerging Economies

Although in recent years some emerging economies have improved their performance in terms of R&D investment, outputs and innovative capacity, these countries are still blighted by extreme poverty, inequality and social exclusion. Hence, emerging countries are exposed to conditions which differ quite substantially from the dominant OECD model of innovation policy for development and welfare. This Research Handbook contributes to the debate by looking at how innovation theory, policy and practice interact, and explains different types of configurations in countries that are characterized by two contrasting but mutually reinforcing features: systemic failure and resourcefulness. Focusing on innovation governance and public policies, it aims to understand related governance failures and to explore options for alternative, more efficient approaches.

North-South and South-South research collaboration: What differences does it make for developing countries? - the case of Colombia

Research collaboration (RC) is associated with both positive and negative effects on the performance of research. It is said to increase creativity, scientific productivity, research quality, innovative capacity, the creation of science and technology human capital, the consolidation of research agendas, the expansion of research areas and disciplines and, ultimately, the development of new or better processes, products and services. Risks and costs associated include the privatization and ‘capture’ of traditional ‘public’ knowledge, the ‘mercantilization’ of knowledge and human capital, and the lost of research autonomy. Little is known about the ways RC affects local scientific and technological capabilities when it involves scientists and engineers working in developing countries, however. This is presumably the result of the popular assumption that there are no specific and distinctive effects associated with the geographical localization of the partners. This research assesses empirically such assumption and explores the effects of collaboration with different types of partners on the performance of research teams working in Colombia, an S&T-developing country. In particular, it explores the performance of 1889 research teams and the effects attributable to partners from northern and southern countries involved into two different types of collaboration activities: hosting foreign researchers, and working with foreign funding. Results from multivariate regressions and non-parametric analyses show that teams collaborating with partners from the south report higher scientific production, while those collaborating with northern countries seem to contribute the most to local knowledge. 20 interviews were performed to assess the plausibility of the models and of the findings. Theoretical and policy implications of the results are discussed.

International co-authorship and research team performance in Colombia

Recent trends show that Colombian S&T performance is improving rapidly. This paper examines the ways in which International Scientific Collaboration, as observed by the co-authorship of journal articles written by local scientists and partners located overseas, affects the ability of research teams to produce bibliographic outputs and to contribute to local knowledge. A sample of 672 teams was randomly selected for the analyses. Research hypotheses were tested using Zero Inflated Negative Binomial Regression and Logistic regression, as well as through the use of control groups and the Propensity Score Matching approach to assess the overall impact of the scientific collaboration on research team performance. In addition, 20 interviews with experts and team members were administered to discuss models and results. Results show that co-authoring with partners located overseas increases team output by nearly 40% and by between 3 and 5 bibliographic products. It also shows that teams odds of involving Colombia in its research process are 2.2 times larger for those co-authoring with a partner located overseas than for those that do not. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed!.

Futures of science with and for society: towards transformative policy orientations

Purpose How to derive policy implications from five future scenarios of transformed research and innovation (R&I) systems? This paper analyzes methodological and content issues of five future scenarios of transformed R&I systems. The aim of this paper is to provide an outlook on strategic policies capable of facilitating or moderating these transformative changes in R&I practices is discussed in light of overarching intentions to foster “responsible” ambitions (in Europe and beyond, discussed as responsible research and innovation, RRI). Design/methodology/approach The paper elaborates a four-step methodology to assess the scenario’s policy implications: first, by articulating the scenario implications for six core dimensions of RI second, an RRI assessment framework is developed to assess in each scenario opportunities and limitations for transforming RI the third involves a cross-scenario analysis of similarities and differences between the scenarios, allowing the identification of robust policy options that make sense in more than one scenario. The last analytical step includes again the richness of the individual scenario assessments aiming to provide a broader outlook on transformative policy orientations. Findings The paper concludes with outlining the contours of a future-responsible R&I system together with some suggestions for transformative policy orientations that aim to govern the R&I system towards such a future, as a source of inspiration and reflection. Research limitations/implications The analysis is based on five future scenarios that do not systematically cover future developments external to the R&I system. Practical Implications An outlook of strategic policies capable of facilitating or moderating these transformative changes in R&I practices is discussed in light of the overarching European Union goal of encouraging the performance of RRI. Originality/value This paper provides inspirational anticipatory strategic intelligence for fostering the responsible ambitions of research with and for society