Innovation Support Policies in Developing Countries: A Qualitative Analysis of Governance Trends and Frameworks
Keywords:
Innovation policy, developing countries, innovation governance, technological infrastructure, knowledge-based enterprises, incentive strategiesAbstract
Objective: The objective of this review study is to analyze the institutional, infrastructural, and executive dimensions of innovation support policies in developing countries and identify effective governance models through a systematic synthesis of international studies.
Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative systematic review using thematic analysis. Data were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases. After applying inclusion criteria—topic relevance, journal quality, and publication date (2015–2024)—a total of 12 articles were selected for final analysis. Extracted data were coded and analyzed using NVivo version 14, leading to the identification of main themes, subthemes, and open concepts related to innovation policy frameworks.
Findings: The results revealed three main thematic clusters: (1) institutional and governance frameworks, including regulatory bodies, legal structures, and policy capacity building; (2) innovation-supportive infrastructures such as science parks, university–industry collaboration, and human capital development; and (3) executive and motivational strategies encompassing fiscal incentives, support for knowledge-based enterprises, and scientific diplomacy. The findings highlight that institutional fragmentation, weak technological infrastructure, and a lack of adaptive and learning-oriented policies are major barriers to innovation growth.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the success of innovation policies in developing countries depends on establishing coordinated governance systems, strengthening technological and human infrastructures, and designing evidence-based and learning-driven incentive strategies. Such an approach can accelerate the transition toward knowledge-based economies and foster sustainable competitiveness.
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