About Globelics
The Global Network for the Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (Globelics) is the largest global academic community dedicated to innovation and development. Established in 2002, Globelics provides a platform for South-South knowledge exchange, and between mature economies and developing nations, focusing on the role of innovation in fostering social and economic development as well as effective policymaking. Through its annual conferences and regional and national chapters (AfricaLics, AsiaLics, LaLics, EuroLics, NACLICS, MEDAlics, CICALICS, IndiaLICS and NigeriaLICS), Globelics promotes academic collaboration, learning and the sharing of evidence-based experiences that can inform innovation policies globally.
The Globelics International Conference 2025
This year’s conference focuses on innovation for sustainable and inclusive development to build resilience in the context of growing inequality, climate change and geopolitical disruptions, particularly as they affect developing nations. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s G20 presidency, the Globelics conference serves as a crucial intellectual forum that aligns with and reinforces the G20 objectives. Both platforms emphasise the transformative power of innovation in addressing global challenges by promoting collaborative innovation policies that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability. The conference will draw from the G20 discussion and contribute insights and recommendations that can shape the leadership role of Africa and the Global South on the world stage, ensuring that the voices of developing nations are amplified in the G20’s decisions and outcomes.
This year’s conference is organised by a consortium of Globelics members in South Africa, co-hosted by South Africa’s National Research Foundation, and the DSI/NRF Trilateral Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable Development (University of Johannesburg), with partners in Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Witwatersrand, and the Human Sciences Research Council.
Conference Themes
The conference welcomes papers that connect innovation efforts to sustainable and inclusive development objectives. Suggested themes and sub-themes include:
1) Innovation and Inequality Reduction
2) Climate Crisis and Sustainable Innovation
3) Geopolitical Disruptions and Resilient Innovation Systems
4) Digital Transformation and Data Infrastructure
5) Innovation Policy for Global Development Goals
6) Multi-level innovation systems
7) Innovation and capabilities in firms and economies
8) Theoretical and methodological advances in Innovation & Development Studies
Submission Guidelines
Submissions for oral presentations, special sessions, and poster presentations must align with conference themes. Papers should not exceed 8,000 words and must be in English.
For more information about submission guidelines please visit the page.
Conference Fees
Conference fees vary by country classification and participant type. Accepted paper presenters receive accommodation support. More information about conference fees and coverage.
Key Dates:
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