Innovation Economics and Policy Design

How do government policies influence innovation and drive economic growth? Economic insights and empirical evidence reveal the dynamic effects of different policy choices, providing valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to foster sustainable innovation ecosystems and support long-term development.

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Innovation Complexity Navigator

The 2024 edition of the World Intellectual Property Report highlights the positive impact of innovation and industrial policy on helping to leverage the existing capabilities of a country or region.

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Harvard economist Ricardo Hausmann sitting with Intan Hamdan-Livramento from WIPO

Rethinking Innovation: How Economic Complexity Theory Reveals New Pathways to Growth

Harvard economist Ricardo Hausmann explains why traditional economic models miss the mark on innovation policy – and offers a framework that could transform how countries build competitive advantages in the global knowledge economy.

Unlocking Women’s STEM Potential for Inclusive Innovation

Dr. Delgado began by outlining that only 9% of all patents globally can be attributed to women. Though this share is increasing, the pace is very slow.

Transforming Knowledge into Technology: Tracking the Progress of Innovation Ecosystems

Efficient innovation ecosystems bring together scientific research and industrial production to create technologies that drive economic growth. But how can we measure how well these interactions work?

Measuring Innovation Complexity—and Why It Matters

Different countries, different capabilities—but one clear trend: complexity and prosperity move together.

How can innovation economics support policymaking?

The evolving landscape of innovation demands policies that not only stimulate economic growth but also address the diverse needs and potential of each ecosystem. By understanding key areas—from leveraging unique innovation capabilities to fostering inclusivity, supporting regional and national development, connecting local ecosystems to the global network, and encouraging technological change—policymakers can craft strategies that drive sustainable growth and resilience. A comprehensive understanding of IP rights and institutions further strengthens these efforts, enabling vibrant and adaptive innovation environments.

Understanding innovation capabilities can guide policymakers to leverage each innovation ecosystem's unique potential.

Designing policies that support and encourage innovation inclusivity and diversity can be the engines of economic growth.

Innovation policies can support the economic and social development of countries and regions.

Policies can help vibrant local ecosystems connect to the global innovation network enlarging the potential scope and scale of their innovative activities.

Innovation policies can spur technological change across industries and within their value chains. The current wave of Digitalization can dramatically change the competitiveness of industries and transform the global value chains.

Understanding of the economic effects of IP rights and institutions are crucial to inform national innovation policy design aiming at boosting vibrant innovation ecosystem.