ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the effects of inequality, in their specific manifestations on the evolutionary paths of the respective national systems of innovation of the five economies. It draws on the experience of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The book presents the BRICS case studies and each chapter shares a loosely common structure so as to facilitate cross system comparisons. It traces the trends in interpersonal and inter-regional inequality within economies from an evolutionary perspective. The book analyses the co-evolution of inequality and innovation system in order to provide some understanding of the mutually reinforcing relationship between the various elements of the innovation and production system on the one hand, and inequality on the other. It examines how the policies and institutions of the national systems of innovation and production co-evolve with inequality at personal and regional levels.
