Transformative Innovation for International Development : Operationalizing Innovation Ecosystems and Smart Cities for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction

This study-the result of a collaboration between CSIS and the JICA Research Institute in Japan-reviews U.S. and Japanese public and private approaches to innovation, including building innovation ecosystems and promoting smart cities technology.

It also presents two case studies that explore a specific innovative technology and its development impact.

First is innovation-enabling platforms, including the Bohol Fabrication Lab, in the Philippines.

Second is innovative approaches to urbanization, including a smart cities approach, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The report discusses challenges and approaches to supporting innovation in developing country contexts.

It concludes with recommendations and final thoughts for developing-country governments, bilateral donors and multilateral organizations, and other actors to create an agenda around operationalizing transformative innovation for sustainable development and poverty reduction.