The article examines the theoretical foundations and evolution of the innovation process under accelerated technological development and the emergence of the seventh technological paradigm. The shift from linear to systemic multi-level models is shown to be driven by industrial development and growing global industrial integration. Special attention is paid to institutional and infrastructural mechanisms and to the supranational mega-mechanism shaping countries’ integration into global innovation chains. The importance of effective innovation mechanisms for states undergoing industrial-innovation transformation is substantiated.