The Changing Geography of Innovation: The Rise of the BICs—Challenges and Opportunities

Policy Brief Number 6
March 2012

The Changing Geography of Innovation: The Rise of BICs – Challenges and Opportunities

Author: Carl J. Dahlman

In 2012, much of the changing geography of innovation and growth was the result of the emergence of the BICs – Brazil, India, and China. This policy note focuses on the changing geography of innovation in these three countries, particularly China, and provides a quick overview of innovation efforts and performance. As China was already well on its way to becoming a major global player in innovation, this note summarizes some of the lessons from the country’s success, as well as its challenges. This note more broadly summarizes the challenges and opportunities for advanced countries as well as for other developing countries. Finally, it describes some challenges and opportunities for the global system.