A global value chain perspective on the phenomena of innovation and inequality

ABSTRACT

The present brief comment explores some of Christopher Freeman’s main ideas and their influence on my recent and current research. The concepts of broad and narrow National Systems of Innovation (NSI), regional systems of innovation and production networks are some of the main sources of inspiration for part of my works. Combined with a concern for development and social progress I have tried to understand how NSI relate and condition not only the outputs of innovation and economic growth but also their effect on social issues such as income inequality rates. Some evidence on the consequences of innovation on inequality is reviewed here, and some future lines of research regarding Global Value Chains (GVC) approaches are proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• National systems of innovation
• global value chains
• inequality
• institutions
• globalization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.