On the basis of the creative and critical analysis of scientific approaches, the author defines the essence of a global innovation network as a multi-level, dynamic institutional and functional system with a dialectically contradictory mechanism of interaction and interrelation of its structural elements in various fields, spatial-geographical segments of the world economy based on modern ICT; characteristic features of which is a nonlinear hierarchy, where no dominance of some elements and components introduced over others; its formation is accompanied by a certain institutionalization (a creation of separate structures, a conclusion of transactions, an introduction of new management models, etc.), which ensures a flexible organization and coordination of the innovation process. This system operates on the principles of synergism, functional diversity and institutional pluralism, high adaptability in order to create, disseminate and put into practice innovations, strengthens competitive positions of stakeholders in the global competitive space. The factors of formation of innovation networks in the context of globalization (openness of innovations; transnationalization; offshorization, outsourcing, exchange of science and technology information (dissemination of new knowledge by publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals, exhibitions, conferences, symposia, international internships, etc.) ); transfer of science and technology achievements due to the use of the international system of licensing and patenting, the provision of high-tech consulting services, management and etc.). The prerequisites for the formation of global innovation networks are identified: coordination of government activities in science and technology; mutual informing by national research institutions of plans for R&D; participation in the implementation of international science and technology programs and projects; coordination and conducting co-operative basic research; conducting co-operative scientific experiments and applied developments on a contractual basis; exchange of science and technology information (research results, technical documentation, samples and materials); international licensing, exchange of patents, licenses, know-how; technical assistance and science and technology services; holding international scientific conferences, symposia, exhibitions and et cetera; implementation of joint publications; cooperation in training and advanced training of research and engineering personnel, organization of training and internships for specialists. The theoretical content of the conceptual and categorical apparatus regarding the influence of institutional and regulatory factors on global innovation networks is generalized and systematized, depending, on the one hand, on the tools (forming a legislative base and determining state priorities in science and technology development, state scientific science and technology programs; public procurement; state science and technology expertise; budget financing of science and technology activities; patent and licensing activities; metrology, standardization and certification of the formation of science and technology personnel, establishing the system of science and technology information), and, on the other hand, the structure of global innovation networks (in-house, when global companies use “offshore” phases its own branches innovation); intercompany, when global firms order phases of innovation to specialized external suppliers, international government-corporate research consortia, which, based on public-private partnerships, form global innovation networks in publicly important sectors of the economy; informal. The index of readiness for integration in the global innovation network was calculated, by which 120 countries were segmented.
