The phrase ‘build back better’ has echoed around government offices and grassroots organisations as we look to rebuild society and the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While economic recovery is a clear priority, this hiatus to the status quo offers a chance to re-evaluate policy measures in favour of a climate and socially responsible society.
Recovering from the crisis will be more challenging for Europe compared to the US and China, argues Professor Daniele Archibugi, having not fully recuperated from the 2008 financial crisis when the pandemic hit. Using the example of Europe’s success with Airbus, Daniele calls for investment in human and technological resources to compete on a level footing with the US and China in emerging markets.
The past decade has seen China rise from 29th to 14th in the Global Innovation Index. In a CIMR Debate on ‘The Technological Rise of China’ Professor Klaus Nielsen demonstrated the powerful impact of R&D investment on China’s position as a technological leader. Could bold investment following the pandemic see Europe take the lead when it comes to a green new deal?
Colleagues in the CIMR have also been asking what role public innovation intermediaries will play in the fourth industrial revolution. In July 2020, we invited fellow researchers and government representatives to a workshop to explore the challenges encountered by companies in navigating the digital transition and how governments can support them.
Providing access to cutting edge research will enable policymakers to maximise innovation-driven growth. A new book edited by Anthony Arundel (UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University and University of Tasmania), Suma Athreye (Essex Business School and CIMR Fellow) and Sacha Wunsch-Vincent (World Intellectual Property Organization) offers a conceptual framework to evaluate knowledge transfer practices and outcomes. We will continue to offer a forum for policymakers, practitioners and researchers to come together to find effective solutions to the business challenges we face as we navigate the post-pandemic new normal.
