The Smart Specialisation approach requires looking beyond national and regional boundaries. Countries and regions should identify their competitive advantages through systematic and constructive comparisons, mapping their national and the international context in search of examples to learn from and performing effective collaboration (Foray et al, 2012). In the context of developing countries, Smart Specialisation related-action contributes to the international efforts to promote sustainable development and innovation. In this regard, globalisation trends appear as a challenge that can be harnessed with targeted investments at regional level, favouring innovation and moving up value chains to stimulate private investments (European Commission, 2017).

Building on European successes and experiences, Smart Specialisation is increasingly being considered a driver of decentralised innovation policies in several countries and regions around the world. This section aims at illustrating the main developments of some non-EU countries in the implementation and/or adaptation of the Smart Specialisation approach. Contributions of the EU Smart Specialisation Platform are also described as a way to promote cooperation with partners of the EU. This space will showcase initiatives, good practices, strategies and roadmaps taking place in other latitudes as a way to foster the establishment of cooperation bridges between territories.