Bridging the gap: Innovation systems and sustainable development in developing countries

Solving the main global challenges in terms of sustainability is essential for all territories. Questions have recently emerged over the role of innovation systems in the transition toward a more sustainable economy. However, studies that attempt to address these questions have primarily been conducted in developed countries. Meanwhile, developing countries often have weak innovation systems and low performance in knowledge and technology production. In these countries, there are also persistent challenges such as social inequality and poverty, which constrain sustainable development achievement. This study provides an overview of the scientific literature on the role of innovation systems for sustainable development in developing countries. The methodology combines the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines with bibliometric analysis. An analysis was performed on the distribution of publications over time, key publications, most important countries, main sources, co-citation analysis, and thematic mapping. The results reveal that research interest in this topic of study is growing. The countries that form the focus of research on innovation systems within the framework of sustainable development are mostly high-income countries, primarily in Europe. China is the leading developing country where this type of analysis has been conducted. Technological innovation systems (TISs) represent one of the main frameworks used in these studies. This study contributes to bridging the gap in understanding innovation systems in developing countries for sustainable development, as a guide for moving toward more sustainable economies and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).