Open Innovation for Shared Growth
Economies across the Asia-Pacific gathered in Guangzhou to emphasize how science, technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping economic growth. They stressed that rapid advances in frontier technologies are creating new possibilities while also presenting intertwined global challenges.
As a result, deeper policy coordination and practical cooperation were seen as essential to help economies harness innovation productively and responsibly. Through open innovation and cross-border knowledge flows, productivity gains can be unlocked while tackling issues like digital inequality, sustainability and responsible governance.
Innovation is now one of the top priorities for the region’s agenda in 2026, and efforts focused heavily on AI policy, green transitions, open science and researcher mobility. Moreover, discussions highlighted the importance of strong innovation ecosystems to improve competitiveness and sustainable development across diverse economies.
Partnerships and Practical Cooperation
Collaboration among governments, private sectors, academia and civil society will be vital to translate scientific progress into inclusive growth. In this context, open innovation means building partnerships that share knowledge, resources, and best practices rather than merely transferring technology.
Also noting the importance of projects funded through the cooperation framework, including open science initiatives, scientist exchange programs, and new proposals involving low-carbon technologies, university-industry collaboration, youth innovation, and women in science.
Furthermore, policy leaders underlined the need for clear direction, measurable outcomes, and sustained focus, especially as science, technology and AI continue to influence economic patterns. Going forward, outcomes from this meeting will shape future work programs and recommendations that support resilient and inclusive growth for APEC economies.
Source:
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (2026, February 2). Economies press for open innovation as science, technology and AI reshape growth. https://www.apec.org/press/news-releases/2026/economies-press-for-open-innovation-as-science–technology-and-ai-reshape-growth