The State of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Global South.



This brief explores the main challenges and potential of STI to catalyse transformative changes in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of investments, equitable access and use, South-South cooperation (SSC) and inclusion. Key data-driven insights generated from recent reports include: 
a. The Global South is struggling with persistent gaps in infrastructure, investment and skills. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only 1 in 5 developing countries invests more than 1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in research and development, creating systemic barriers to innovation. According to the 2021 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Science Report, 1 Internet penetration rates in some regions remain below 40 per cent, limiting digital access and hindering participation in the global economy. Environmental sustainability topics aligned with SDGs 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action), 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land) received minimal donor attention between 2000 and 2013, with funding totalling under $25 billion. 

b. Multiple recent South-South cooperation initiatives proved key to the development and deployment of scalable solutions, particularly regarding renewable energy and public health. Countries such as Brazil and India have emerged as innovation leaders in the Global South, demonstrating the potential of targeted STI policies. Such countries are also actively sharing knowledge in their respective area(s) of strength with other countries of the Global South. 

c. Emerging technologies and inclusion are being more widely adopted in the Global South. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology are being adopted to address localized challenges, such as improving agricultural resilience and access to healthcare. However, only 30 per cent of women in the countries of the Global South engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, highlighting a need for greater gender inclusion. AI is projected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with emerging markets of the Global South playing a crucial role in this growth. McKinsey research estimates that AI applications can potentially unlock an economic value of $11 trillion to $18 trillion annually. Countries such as India are emerging as key players in the AI landscape, with tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon investing billions in computing infrastructure to support AI development.

Read the backgroup paper on the State of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Global South.

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