Study on traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions/folklore for countries in transition

The development of a national policy for the protection and economic exploitation of traditional knowledge is a complex process, requiring the participation both of experts in the field of law, cultural heritage and intellectual property and of members of the community of origin of traditional knowledge, representatives of business. It is necessary to have a unified state policy on culture, education and economy as related fields, as well as unified legislation in certain fields.

The Study on traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions/folklore for countries in transitionis intends to help  the countries to develop their national legislation on traditional knowledge with regard to its protection as cultural  heritage and intellectual property. Its purpose is to present techniques for identifying the economic utility and economic potential of those cultural values ​​that can be economically exploited and serve as an economic resource for industrial activity. The possibility of industrializing cultural heritage is an essential prerequisite for economic progress, as  the former is characterized by its uniqueness and identity, which, under global market conditions, are a strong competitive advantage. The identification of the cultural heritage in the legal system allows the establishing  and management of intellectual property rights that  guarantee their bearer profitability. In this respect cultural heritage is an important economic factor for the development of certain countries, regions or communities that are industrially underdeveloped but rich in traditions. Cultural heritage is also an essential factor for the  economic development of the industrialized countries where it is used as a resource in the so called creative economy