This study - the result of a collaboration between CSIS and the JICA Research Institute in Japan - reviews U.S. and Japanese public and private approaches to innovation, including building innovation ecosystems and promoting smart cities technology. It also presents two case studies that explore a specific innovative technology and its development impact. First is innovation-enabling platforms, including the Bohol Fabrication Lab, in the Philippines. Second is innovative approaches to urbanization, including a smart cities approach, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The report discusses challenges and approaches to supporting innovation in developing country contexts. It concludes with recommendations and final thoughts for developing-country governments, bilateral donors and multilateral organizations, and other actors to create an agenda around operationalizing transformative innovation for sustainable development and poverty reduction.