Innovation and technology absorption for growth

These proceedings encapsulate the key messages emerging from the three-day Knowledge Economy Forum V (KEF V) on Innovation and Technology Absorption for Growth, held in Prague, Czech Republic on March 28-30, 2006. The forum was structured around plenary sessions, thematic expert panels, with relevant country case studies presented in plenary sessions from ECA and other countries. The introductory session discussed innovation as a driver of growth for ECA countries; competitive pressures a main source of innovation; and distinguishing between the innovation and technology absorption. Section 2 presents strategies to support innovation and technology absorption. Section 3 describes how to reform higher education and research institutions. Section 5 discusses the key elements of an economic incentive regime. The conclusion ties together the findings of the sessions. Annex 1 is a list of participants, and Annex 2 is the agenda.