Global innovation networks have become an increasingly influential form of organizing to address the persistent global health inequalities between the Global North and the South. However, surprisingly, previous studies have overlooked the role of politics in shaping the work of these networks. This is crucial, given the strikingly different political contexts of the North and South. In this research, we contribute to addressing this gap by studying how being dually embedded in the North and South affects the work of these networks.To do so, we conducted a qualitative inductive study of Global Innovation Networks delivering new products and services to tackle diseases predominantly affecting the Global South. We found that strict requirements and demands imposed by global health organizations, the broader scientific community, and power imbalances within network ties posed significant challenges for their work. To navigate this dual political embeddedness and effectively carry out their work, these global innovation networks employed "network ambidexterity." This involved leveraging both the breadth and depth of network ties simultaneously, achieved by (i) expanding connections with the South and (ii) strengthening existing ties with the South.Through this research, we contribute to the broader innovation literature addressing social inequalities by highlighting the role of politics and emphasizing the importance of decolonizing global healthcare. Additionally, we contribute to global innovation network research by emphasizing the role of network ambidexterity.
