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.

Innovation economics and policy designs insights

Find out more about innovation economics through our stories.
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.
Dr. Mercedes Delgado

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.

Transformer les connaissances en technologie : Mesurer les progrès des écosystèmes d’innovation

Les écosystèmes d’innovation efficaces associent la recherche scientifique et la production industrielle afin de créer des technologies propres à stimuler la croissance économique. Mais comment mesurer l’efficacité de ces interactions?

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.
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Understanding innovation capabilities can guide policymakers to leverage each innovation ecosystem's unique potential.
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Designing policies that support and encourage innovation inclusivity and diversity can be the engines of economic growth.
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Innovation policies can support the economic and social development of countries and regions.
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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.
IMAGE: Getty Images/Rawf8
Understanding of the economic effects of IP rights and institutions are crucial to inform national innovation policy design aiming at boosting vibrant innovation ecosystem.

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Resources for Researchers

Find academic literature, data and tools in the field of the economics of innovation and intellectual property (IP).
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Innovation data explorer (content not ready yet)

Explore, analyze, and visualize data related to innovation economics.

World Intellectual Property Report

WIPO’s flagship analytical publication that examines different themes of innovation. Published every two years.

WIPO economic research working papers

Economic research papers produced by the Department of Economics and Data Analytics.

Innovation, IP and Development

Empirical economic studies examining the impact of IP on innovation and economic growth in less-developed economies.

Innovation and IP Research Guidelines

Collection of guidelines on best practices when conducting empirical research.
RICK_JO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Resources for Researchers

Find academic literature, data and tools in the field of the economics of innovation and intellectual property (IP).

World Intellectual Property Report

WIPO’s flagship analytical publication that examines different themes of innovation. Published every two years.

WIPO economic research working papers

Economic research papers produced by the Department of Economics and Data Analytics.

Innovation, IP and Development

Empirical economic studies examining the impact of IP on innovation and economic growth in less-developed economies.

Innovation and IP Research Guidelines

Collection of guidelines on best practices when conducting empirical research.