Emerging countries battle to bridge innovation gap with developed world

By Karen MacGregor. In Commentary, Anand Kulkarni finds a growing global innovation gap between developed and emerging economies, with the exception of China – though some middle-income countries are making real progress. Dean Hristov and Sonal Minocha look at the role of universities in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in China, and in meeting burgeoning demand for new kinds of skills.
Grace Karram Stephenson writes that in a politically fraught world, the movement of top academic talent to Canada is a long-term trend with long-term benefits, while Deren Temel calls on Canada to cut down on the bureaucracy and expense hampering growth in international student numbers from Vietnam.
   Roger Chao Jr reveals how Malaysian academics are working to position the country as a focal point for educational research in Southeast Asia and a contributor to the field globally. In World Blog, Margaret Andrews pays tribute to the late Alan Dundes of Berkeley, a professor of folklore who was the best teacher she ever had and embodied what higher education is all about.
   In one of two Special Reports, Geoff Maslen unpacks a global-first survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission that has exposed high levels of sexual assault and harassment in universities.
   In the second special, Munyaradzi Makoni reports on the launch in Tanzania of the Alliance for African Partnership, brainchild of Michigan State University, which will innovate research collaboration between African institutions and international universities to tackle global challenges. Penina Mlama argues for a more reflective approach to building partnerships in the arts and literature with Africa. More...