Technological innovation can't be imposed on poor people — they must be engaged to select ideas that suit their lives, writes Lawrence Gudza.

Current models of innovation ignore small-scale technology — institutions must ensure it's a key part of the agenda, says Tony Marjoram.

New models of intellectual property rights are needed to protect — and promote — local knowledge and innovations, says Anil Gupta.

Several Muslim countries rank among the world's most efficient innovators. They must build on this success, says Athar Osama.

Improving health for the poor depends on nurturing local innovations — and learning how to deliver them, argue Abdallah Daar and Peter Singer.

Improving access to information technology can help communities assess their own vulnerability and boost local planning, says John Waugh.

Open innovation is key to the success of iHub and can change the working culture of any community of innovators, says Linda Kamau.

Business models that pair up cheap solar technologies with cell-phone services can provide the poor with renewable energy, says Carl Pope.

Josette Sheeran, executive director of the UN World Food Programme, argues for programmes that build sustainable food security.

India's IT sector offers solutions for local problems — but entrepreneurs need help getting innovations to market, says Vineeta Dixit.

Few science centres offer hands-on experience for young people in Africa. Support is needed for an expansion plan, says Graham Durant.

Several collaborations between researchers and indigenous communties are underway, but more needs to be done, says Henry P. Huntington.

To see the research they fund in action, donors should work with good local governance, not informal networks, writes Justin O. Parkhurst.

Assessing each country's needs is key to ensuring that medical technologies fulfil their promise, say Sidhartha R. Sinha and Michele Barry.

Entrepreneurs are pioneering new modes of innovation to help poor farmers, and policymakers must support their creativity, says Andy Hall.

Public health researchers must be sensitive to resource limitations to ensure medical innovations bring real benefits, says Takunda Matose.

Social media have shown the power of online collaboration — now online labs need to harness it, argues Olawale B. Akinwale.

The Islamic world needs new mechanisms that enable leaders to interact informally and share scientific knowledge, argues Athar Osama.

Scientists must collaborate with indigenous communities to rebuild trust and ensure shared benefits, says geneticist Vanessa M. Hayes.