YSI @ GLOBELICS: Workshop on Applying Complexity Science to National Innovation Systems

Innovation ecosystems are complex, dynamic, and non-linear systems shaped by multiple levels of interactions among diverse actors, including governments, businesses, research institutions, and regulatory bodies. Understanding and evaluating these systems requires a complexity-based approach that accounts for their evolving nature, interdependencies, and unpredictability.

This event will explore how complexity science can be applied to studying innovation systems and assessing innovation policies. It will provide both a theoretical foundation and practical tools to analyze innovation ecosystems’ structure, behaviour, and performance.

This initiative is an important step for young scholars interested in learning about complexity science and its applications across various contexts, including national and regional innovation systems. Strengthening knowledge in this area will enhance innovation processes and contribute to socio-economic development.

The event will be part of the GLOBELICS conference, where we have previously collaborated and where many of our members are actively engaged. This network is crucial for our community, and continued participation in its activities is essential for deepening the engagement of young scholars with targeted academic and professional communities. GLOBELICS is one of the most international and inclusive platforms, emphasizing Global South perspectives and fostering collaboration. Organizing this event will not only benefit our community but will also engage specific YSI working groups, such as Economic Complexity and Economics of Innovation, as well as regional groups that can gain from participation.

Additionally, this project aims to collaborate with AFRICALICS( https://africalics.org/), strengthening our connections in the region. The event will include a panel session with leading researchers in the field, presentation sessions featuring selected young scholars, and an informal social event designed to enhance YSI’s presence. These activities will create opportunities to expand and strengthen collaborations—both among YSI members and between young scholars and senior researchers participating in GLOBELICS conference.

The conference will take place from November 24–26  in Pretoria, South Africa.

Contributions Format and Procedures Applicants should follow the paper submission guidelines for the GLOBELICS International Conference 2025: submission link. Papers should align with the workshop’s topics. Please ensure all submission instructions are followed. Selected young scholars will present their work in the Presentation Session. Additionally, YSI-INET will provide partial travel stipends to selected young scholars.

Event Structure

The Workshop includes  a panel session featuring invited speakers, a session dedicated to the presentation of selected papers by YSI members, and a networking event. This initiative will also provide an opportunity to connect YSI members with a broader community of researchers, academics, and practitioners working extensively on topics such as economic complexity, innovation systems, and related fields.

• Panel Session with Invited Speakers: Invited speakers will present on these topics, sharing theoretical insights and practical approaches.
• YSI Members’ Presentation Session: A limited number of selected YSI members will present their research on relevant topics, engaging in discussions with senior researchers to receive feedback and foster dialogue.
• Networking Event: An informal gathering with invited speakers, YSI members participating in the conference, other conference participants working in this field aims to facilitate informal communication, explore opportunities for future collaboration, and strengthen YSI community engagement.