Global Challenges Brief: When policy meets evidence: What’s next in the discussion on intellectual property, technology transfer & the environment?
Written for policy makers, this 4-page brief concludes: The dissemination and uptake of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) are critical components of the global response to climate change. Public and private investment in ESTs is increasing steadily. EST transfers are occurring on a very large scale as part of an active, multidirectional process. Evidence indicates that effective intellectual property (IP) protection contributes to the speed of EST transfer as one of a number of complementary factors. Policymakers can significantly influence the transfer process (e.g., by developing comprehensive blueprints for EST adoption and diffusion). Ultimately, the question is: How can appropriate scientific, technological, and IP frameworks be used effectively to promote successful assimilation and use of ESTs around the world?
Global Challenges Report No. 1: The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in the Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies
The importance of effective dissemination and use of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) is becoming more apparent, in light of the rising profile of climate change mitigation in global political discourse, and expectations that global energy consumption will continue to dramatically increase in the coming decades. The report reviews in detail available literature and proposes areas for further research.
