Foreword and acknowledgements

Supporting innovation and productive development is a key tool in the development strategies of open, global economies. Although developing countries still do not have the same capacities as OECD countries to introduce innovations into markets, they have become significantly more entrepreneurial over the last decade. This is partly because of their recent high economic growth, driven by China’s entry into global markets and the growing demand of their new middle classes. Amid renewed interest in innovation, these countries are seeing an upsurge of new technology-based companies with a high growth potential, which is leaving its mark on both private-sector initiatives and public policies. Nevertheless, there is still little evidence showing the speed at which start-ups are being created in developing countries and how they are being supported by public policy.