Innovation is important for sustainable development, but the relationship is not straightforward. There is a need for understanding the global web of constraints and repercussions of different innovation pathways, with attention to how the public interest can be better incorporated into innovation processes. There is also a need to explore drivers for systemic eco-innovation that trigger long-term transformations, address all aspects of the environment and resource use, beyond low-carbon and energy considerations, and are thoughtful of poverty eradication and socio-economic development needs. inno4sd.net is an open network with a research-based agenda for learning and for change, which invites multiple perspectives to be developed, scrutinised and deployed. inno4sd.net will become a global network – initiated by the green.eu project with start-up funding from the European Union – and aims to become connected worldwide.