Collaborative research, education, and innovation are on the rise for many people and institutions around the world. But would-be collaborators in least-developed countries, as defined by the United Nations, are stagnating. With limited means to connect, either virtually or face-to-face, too many capable scientists and innovators linger outside the global network. Their world is not flat. It is deeply tilted in favor of those with the resources and connections needed to solve challenging problems. Offering hope are initiatives that facilitate direct interactions among scientists and educators within and between developing and developed countries. During this symposium, presenters will offer remarks on the unique characteristics of today's challenges and the knowledge infrastructure available to tackle them. They will explain why novel approaches are needed, what characteristics are required to increase participation and capacity in tandem, and what benefits are afforded through such efforts. Also presented will be a case study of collaborative innovation in action, highlighting a specific research challenge that developing country scientists are seeking to address through international partnership, namely defending the Rwandan coffee sector against a potentially devastating pest infestation.