Globelics International Conference 2025

About Globelics

The Global Network for the Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (Globelics) is the largest global academic community dedicated to innovation and development. Established in 2002, Globelics provides a platform for South-South knowledge exchange as well as between mature economies and developing nations, focusing on the role of innovation in fostering social and economic development as well as effective policymaking. Through its annual conferences and regional and national chapters (AfricaLics, AsiaLics, LaLics, EuroLics, NACLICS, MEDAlics, CICALICS, IndiaLICS and NigeriaLICS), Globelics promotes academic collaboration, learning and the sharing of evidence-based experiences that can inform innovation policies globally.

About the Conference

This year’s Globelics conference focuses on innovation for sustainable and inclusive development, addressing global challenges like inequality, climate change, and geopolitical disruptions, especially in developing nations. Aligned with South Africa’s G20 presidency, it emphasizes the role of innovation in fostering inclusivity and sustainability. The conference will offer insights to enhance Africa and the Global South’s leadership in global decision-making.

The conference will precede the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) from November 25-28, 2025, a major event for discussing science, technology, and innovation policies. Globelics attendees are encouraged to join SFSA’s discussions.

The event is co-hosted by the National Research Foundation, DSI/NRF Trilateral Chair in Transformative Innovation,  with partners in Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Witwatersrand, and the Human Sciences Research Council.

More information about the conference please visit the page.

Conference Themes

• Innovation and Inequality Reduction – Focuses on how innovation can address socio-economic disparities, empower marginalized communities, integrate indigenous knowledge, support gender equality, and mitigate skilled migration challenges.
• Climate Crisis and Sustainable Innovation – Examines innovation as a tool for climate action, policy strategies for green innovation, and the role of sustainable development in the Global South.
• Geopolitical Disruptions and Resilient Innovation Systems – Explores how innovation systems respond to global instability, the importance of regional collaboration, and frameworks for multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Digital Transformation and Data Infrastructure – Investigates digital innovation’s impact on marginalized communities, digital transformation case studies in developing regions, and the role of digital technologies in the green transition.
• Innovation Policy for Global Development Goals – Discusses governance, policy experimentation, public-private partnerships, and the politics of science, technology, and innovation policy.
• Multi-level Innovation Systems – Covers technological and sectoral innovation systems, industrial policy, national and regional innovation systems, and university-industry-society relationships.
• Innovation and Capabilities in Firms and Economies – Looks at work organization, education, trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), global value chains, economic growth, firm capabilities, and innovation management.
• Theoretical and Methodological Advances in Innovation & Development Studies – Focuses on new methodologies, empirical approaches, and theoretical developments in innovation studies.
• More information about the conference themes

Conference Structure

• Plenary sessions featuring leading experts.
• Paper presentations across multiple tracks.
• Special sessions on emerging research.
• Policy discussions with global stakeholders.
• Poster sessions showcasing research findings.
• Cultural and networking events.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions for oral presentations, special sessions, and poster presentations must align with conference themes. Papers should not exceed 8,000 words and must be in English.

For more information about submission guidelines please visit the page.

Conference Fees

Conference fees vary by country classification and participant type. Accepted paper presenters receive accommodation support. More information about conference fees and coverage.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: May 16, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: June 20, 2025
• Confirmation of travel arrangements by the participants: October 1, 2025

Contact & More Information

For more details contact Globelics2025@uj.ac.za.