Innovation policy in resource-rich economies

Abstract

This paper, reviews the literature dealing with innovation policy for the following jurisdictions: the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia; the Scandinavian countries of Finland, Norway and Sweden; South Africa, Chile and Brazil as representative sample of resource-rich economies. In each case, innovation strategies that deal with the development of capabilities to enhance existing resource industries and provide for economic development beyond the life of existing non-renewable resources have been identified.Innovation policy and performance in the selected countries offer a diverse set of innovative capabilities and national contexts. The analysis highlights countries? strengths and weaknesses in innovation as well as the effectiveness of their innovation systems and policies in driving economic performance. It aims to create an understanding of how countries act to develop and improve their capability for innovation. The report also compares policies and identifies commonalities and good practice in the sample countries with the view of providing innovation policy makers some ?lessons?.