The concept of innovation has always been closely tied to territorial boundaries. Historically, innovation was seen as something that happened within a specific region or country. The idea was that certain areas had favorable conditions for innovation, such as access to resources, a skilled workforce, and supportive institutions. This led to the development of the territorial system perspective, which focused on understanding and promoting innovation within a specific geographic area.

The concept of innovation has always been closely tied to territorial boundaries. Historically, innovation was seen as something that happened within a specific region or country. The idea was that certain areas had favorable conditions for innovation, such as access to resources, a skilled workforce, and supportive institutions. This led to the development of the territorial system perspective, which focused on understanding and promoting innovation within a specific geographic area.

However, as the world has become more interconnected and globalized, the boundaries between regions and countries have become increasingly blurred. This has led some scholars to question the validity of the territorial system perspective. They argue that innovation is no longer confined to specific regions, but instead occurs in transnational contexts.

One framework that has emerged to understand these new dynamics is the concept of global innovation systems. This framework recognizes that innovation is now a truly global phenomenon, with ideas, knowledge, and resources flowing across borders. It takes into account the complex interactions and relationships that exist between different actors in the innovation process, regardless of their geographic location.

The global innovation systems framework challenges the traditional notion that innovation is driven by territorial structures. Instead, it highlights the importance of networks and connections between various actors, such as firms, universities, research institutions, and government agencies. These actors collaborate and exchange ideas and resources, regardless of their physical location.

One of the key insights from the global innovation systems framework is that innovation is not a zero-sum game. In other words, one region or country's success in innovation does not come at the expense of others. Instead, innovation is a collective and collaborative process that benefits all participants. This challenges the idea that there is limited competition and that one region's gain is another region's loss.

Another important aspect of the global innovation systems framework is its focus on the role of knowledge and learning. Innovation is not just about coming up with new ideas, but also about acquiring and applying knowledge. This knowledge can come from a variety of sources, including formal education, informal learning, and experience. The global innovation systems framework recognizes the importance of knowledge flows and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

So, what does all this mean for policymakers and practitioners interested in promoting innovation? The global innovation systems framework offers some actionable advice:

• 1. Foster collaboration and networking: Instead of focusing on competition and protectionism, policymakers should encourage collaboration and networking between different actors in the innovation process. This can be done through various mechanisms, such as creating innovation clusters, funding collaborative research projects, and promoting cross-sector partnerships.

• 2. Invest in education and skills development: Knowledge and learning are at the heart of innovation. Policymakers should prioritize investments in education and skills development to ensure that individuals and organizations have the necessary knowledge and capabilities to innovate. This includes both formal education programs and informal learning opportunities.

• 3. Embrace diversity and inclusivity: Innovation thrives in environments that are diverse and inclusive. Policymakers should promote diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity, and background, as well as diversity of ideas and perspectives. This can be done through targeted initiatives, such as promoting women in STEM fields and supporting entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups.

In conclusion, the traditional territorial system perspective of innovation is being challenged by the emergence of global innovation systems. This new framework recognizes the interconnectedness and transnational nature of innovation. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, knowledge flows, and learning in driving innovation. Policymakers and practitioners can leverage this framework by fostering collaboration, investing in education, and embracing diversity. By doing so, they can create an environment that supports and promotes innovation in a global context.