On this page

Development Studies

We work on a wide range of studies investigating how intellectual property (IP) interacts with economic development.

These studies aim to narrow the knowledge gap decision-makers face when adopting IP policies aimed at supporting broader development objectives.

Featured

Studies on Impact and Utilization of the Intellectual Property System

Gender Gap in Industrial Designs of Central European and Baltic States

This report examines women's participation in industrial design across Central European and Baltic States (CEBS). Over the past three decades, the number of women designers in the region has increased. Nevertheless, they remain underrepresented, particularly in machinery and arms manufacturing, while being more active in clothing, pharmaceuticals, and health-related design. Our projections estimate full equality could take up to 40 years, making gender parity in industrial design a long-term goal. Addressing industry-specific barriers will be crucial to fostering a more inclusive and innovative design sector in the CEBS region.

The Global Gender Gap in Innovation and Creativity: An International Comparison of the Gender Gap in Global Patenting over Two Decades

This report analyzes women’s participation in international patent applications between 1999 and 2020 and finds that women are involved in only 23% of all applications, representing 13% of all inventors listed. Women’s participation in patenting varies across regions, sectors, and industries, with higher representation in biotechnology, food chemistry, and pharmaceuticals, and lower in mechanical engineering. Women inventors are more prevalent in academia than in the private sector, and typically work in mostly-male teams or alone. Achieving gender parity will require significant effort, with an estimated target year of 2061 based on current trends.

Global Innovation Hotspots: Singapore's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem

This report consists of two parts. Part A traces the dynamic evolution of Singapore’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem over time and the changing mix of public policies that have shaped that evolution. This part of the report brings the analysis of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem development trends up to the end of 2020. In Part B, we present a more in-depth analysis of the changing pattern of innovation among the key innovation actor groups in Singapore – local enterprises, local universities and public research institutes, and foreign firms with innovation activities in Singapore – using a database of patents granted to inventors in Singapore for the period 2000–2020.

Global Innovation Hotspots: Innovation ecosystems and catching-up in developing countries: Evidence from Shenzhen

Based on international patent and scientific publication data, this report classifies Shenzhen’s technological trajectory and catch-up process into three stages: 1) accessing advanced technology by participating in the Global Production Networks (GPNs) and Global Value Chains (GVCs), 2) accumulating technological knowledge and enhancing absorptive capability through imitation and 3) achieving indigenous innovation. We interpret this remarkable catch-up process from the perspective of 1) technological specialization, 2) the local innovation ecosystem and 3) its embeddedness into the Global Innovation Networks (GINs). The last part summarizes Shenzhen’s policy lessons in fostering innovation-based economic growth in developing countries and areas.

Global Innovation Hotspots: A case study of São Paulo’s innovation ecosystem local capabilities and global networks

This report presents an in-depth study of the innovation ecosystem of São Paulo (Brazil). We use georeferenced patent, scientific publication, and economic data to characterize one of the few global innovation hotspots in Latin America and the southern hemisphere. It attempts to understand what makes São Paulo different from the rest of Brazil and the Latin American region by mapping what its main potentialities and drawbacks are. The report finds that São Paulo is rich in scientific activity, but lags behind with respect to patent production. At the same time, it is a patent leader in Brazil and the region with characteristics resembling the large innovation hotspots of the world. The report also shows where São Paulo is in the global knowledge space, and how it can leverage scientific production and global networks to upgrade into more complex technological activities. The report also reviews the main innovation policies at national and subnational level, which may partially explain the São Paulo’s success story.

Understanding the Use of Industrial Designs in ASEAN Countries: National report for Thailand

This report presents the results of an industrial design (ID) survey study carried out in three ASEAN countries, namely Thailand. It was prepared for the Project on Intellectual Property (IP) and Socio-Economic Development – Phase II, which aims to provide a better understanding of the role IDs play in business strategies, how ID rights contribute to the appropriation of investments in design innovation, and what challenges applicants face when using ID rights.

Understanding the Use of Industrial Designs in ASEAN Countries: National report for Philippines

This report presents the results of an industrial design (ID) survey study carried out in three ASEAN countries, namely Philippines. It was prepared for the Project on Intellectual Property (IP) and Socio-Economic Development – Phase II, which aims to provide a better understanding of the role IDs play in business strategies, how ID rights contribute to the appropriation of investments in design innovation, and what challenges applicants face when using ID rights.

Understanding the Use of Industrial Designs in ASEAN Countries: National report for Indonesia

This report presents the results of an industrial design (ID) survey study carried out in three ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia. It was prepared for the Project on Intellectual Property (IP) and Socio-Economic Development – Phase II, which aims to provide a better understanding of the role IDs play in business strategies, how ID rights contribute to the appropriation of investments in design innovation, and what challenges applicants face when using ID rights.

WIPO-ASEAN Design Manual

This document is a manual which provides the technical detail of the survey questionnaire designed and implemented for the study on “Understanding the Use of Industrial Designs –the Case of Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.” It was prepared for the Project on Intellectual Property (IP) and Socio-Economic Development – Phase II, which aims to provide a better understanding of the role IDs play in business strategies in specific ASEAN Countries, and is designed to help and guide other researchers who wish to carry out a similar study in their countries of interest. The steps undertaken to mitigate the challenges and the lessons learned will hopefully inform researchers on their own endeavors.

Development Studies

We work on a wide range of studies investigating how intellectual property (IP) interacts with economic development.
These studies aim to narrow the knowledge gap decision-makers face when adopting IP policies aimed at supporting broader development objectives.
В центре внимания

IP and Development Projects

#

Use of Intellectual Property in Bhutan: Indicators of Intellectual Property Systems

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This report reviews Bhutan’s intellectual property system from 2000 to 2023 using national IP data. It finds modest development, with 80–95% of applications filed by non-residents and a shift toward Asian economies. Patent activity emerged only after 2012, dominated by chemistry, with limited domestic filings. Trademarks show strong growth in resident applications, while industrial designs increased but remain small in number. Overall, domestic engagement is rising, though low volumes, especially in patents and designs, highlight the need for capacity building.

#

Uso de la propiedad intelectual en El Salvador: Indicadores de Sistemas de Propiedad Intelectual

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

El análisis estadístico sobre las solicitudes de propiedad intelectual (PI) presentadas ante el Instituto Salvadoreño de la Propiedad Intelectual (ISPI) permite describir el estado actual del sistema de PI salvadoreño. Este reporte permite identificar fortalezas, debilidades y posibles áreas de mejora en los procesos de solicitud y en la gestión general de la PI. El estudio analiza datos proporcionados por el ISPI para el período 2000-2023. En términos generales, durante el periodo 2000-2023, el sistema de PI de El Salvador ha mostrado una concentración de solicitudes de marcas comerciales, principalmente por parte de residentes. Por otro lado, el uso de otros instrumentos de PI presenta una concentración en solicitantes no residentes.
#

Use of intellectual property in Indonesia: Indicators of Intellectual Property Systems

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This report analyzes the use of intellectual property (IP) in Indonesia from 2000 to 2023, highlighting key trends across patents, utility models, trademarks, and industrial designs. It finds overall growth in IP activity, especially in trademarks and utility models, while industrial designs declined. Patent filings are dominated by non-residents and concentrated in chemical technologies, whereas utility models are largely driven by domestic applicants. Trademark applications show strong expansion across sectors, led by research, technology, and chemicals. The study reveals increasing regional participation, particularly from Asian economies, and emphasizes the need to strengthen domestic innovation capacity and the effective use of IP systems.
#

The Bhutanese Innovation Ecosystem

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This study analyzes Bhutan’s participation in the global innovation ecosystem from 2000 to 2023 across scientific, technological, entrepreneurial, and design activities, with regional insights where data allow. Scientific research is Bhutan’s strongest pillar, growing to over 400 annual publications by 2021, mainly in Physical and Social Sciences. Technological activity remains limited and declining, concentrated in mechanical and electrical engineering. Entrepreneurial activity is growing but geographically concentrated, especially in health and agriculture. Design activity is modest and focused on packaging.
#

Ecosistema de Innovación Salvadoreño: Un análisis de dos décadas - Ecosistemas de innovación y PI

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

El estudio analiza la participación de los salvadoreños en el ecosistema global de innovación entre 2000 y 2023. Las actividades científicas se triplicaron y las emprendedoras crecieron 48% entre 2012‑2023, mientras que las actividades tecnológicas y de diseño registraron una tendencia decreciente, evidenciando desafíos en innovación patentable y creativa. En tecnología, destacan productos orgánicos, química de alimentos y tecnologías ambientales; en emprendimiento, limpieza, cosméticos y farmacéuticos; y en diseño, equipos de telecomunicaciones y transporte. Las publicaciones científicas se concentran en Ciencias Sociales, con crecimiento en medicina y ciencias aplicadas.
#

The Indonesian Innovation Ecosystem

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This report analyzes Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem (2000–2023) using scientific publications and intellectual property data. It reveals rapid growth, particularly in scientific output, alongside strong increases in patents, utility models, and trademarks, while industrial designs remain stable or slightly declining. Academic institutions play a leading role in innovation expansion, especially in research and utility models. However, the ecosystem remains largely domestically oriented and unevenly developed, with limited translation of scientific knowledge into market outcomes. Sectoral strengths include health, agriculture, and chemistry-related fields. Overall, Indonesia’s innovation system is in transition, with significant potential to strengthen technological development and global integration.
#

Actividades de innovación y emprendimiento de los salvadoreños a nivel departamental: Indicadores de Innovación a nivel subnacional

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

El estudio muestra patrones territoriales diferenciados de la propiedad intelectual en El Salvador entre 2000 y 2023, relevantes para políticas regionales de innovación. Aunque San Salvador sigue siendo el principal centro innovador, se observa una descentralización progresiva hacia otros departamentos, especialmente La Libertad en patentes. El liderazgo varía por ámbito: las academias predominan en publicaciones, los inventores individuales en patentes y las empresas en marcas y diseños en departamentos grandes, mientras que en zonas periféricas destacan los individuos. También se evidencian claras especializaciones productivas por territorio.
#

Indonesian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activities at the Provincial Level: Innovation Indicators at the Subnational Level

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This report examines Indonesia’s innovation and entrepreneurship activity at the provincial level (2000–2023), using indicators from scientific publications and intellectual property. It reveals strong geographic concentration in Java, which dominates most outputs, alongside emerging diversification across regions. A major acceleration occurred around 2015–2016, with faster growth in peripheral provinces, reducing regional disparities. Academic institutions dominate research and patents, while individuals and firms drive entrepreneurial and design activities. Jakarta and Jawa Timur act as complementary innovation hubs. Despite persistent core–periphery gaps, the findings highlight a transition toward a more distributed and inclusive innovation ecosystem with expanding regional capabilities.
#

Gender Gap in Bhutan´s Innovation Ecosystem: Gender Gap in Innovation and IP

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This report assesses women’s participation in Bhutan’s innovation ecosystem from 2005 to 2024 across science and intellectual property. Women account for 20–25% of scientific authorship, with wide disciplinary gaps but strong representation in pharmaceuticals. Nearly 45% of Bhutanese patent inventors are women, while participation is lower in industrial design (27%). Women’s involvement in trademarks has grown from about 22% to 30%, reaching notably high levels in Research & Technology and in Leisure and Education.
#

Brecha de género en el Ecosistema de Innovación de El Salvador: Brecha de Género en Innovación y PI

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

Este dataset integra información longitudinal sobre el ecosistema de innovación de El Salvador (2000–2023), combinando datos de publicaciones científicas y solicitudes de propiedad intelectual (patentes, modelos de utilidad, marcas y diseños industriales) asociadas a al menos un actor salvadoreño. Los registros provienen de bases internacionales como OpenAlex, PATSTAT y las colecciones de la OMPI. El género se asigna a individuos mediante métodos probabilísticos basados en nombres, permitiendo analizar la participación femenina. El dataset incluye variables por sector, tipo de solicitante e indicadores como la presencia de al menos una mujer en cada resultado de innovación.
#

Gender Gap in Indonesia’s Innovation Ecosystem: Gender Gap in Innovation and IP

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This report analyzes women’s participation in Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem from 2000 to 2023 across scientific publications, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and utility models. It finds substantial progress, with women increasingly contributing to innovation outputs and over 70% of patent and utility model applications including at least one woman by 2023. However, overall participation remains below parity, typically plateauing around 35–40%. Significant disparities persist across disciplines, with higher representation in life sciences and lower in engineering and transport fields. Academic institutions lead in inclusion. The study highlights persistent structural barriers and calls for targeted policies to sustain progress and achieve gender equality in innovation.
#

Assessing the Innovation Capabilities of Bhutan: Innovation Capabilities

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This study maps Bhutan’s innovation capabilities across 626 fields to inform strategies that strengthen its innovation ecosystem and collaboration. Due to limited data, Bhutan mastered only 1% of possible capabilities in 2012, mainly in production-related domains, placing it low on the complexity spectrum. The study recommends consolidating skills near critical mass, architecture, tropical medicine, biodiversity conservation, parasitology, and forestry. Overall technological potential remains low, with an estimated 14 additional patents per year, mainly in biopharma.
#

Evaluando las capacidades de innovación de El Salvador

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

El estudio evalúa las capacidades de innovación de El Salvador en 626 campos y muestra que el país domina el 4% de ellos, nivel similar al de Tanzania y Macedonia del Norte. Sus fortalezas se concentran en sectores productivos de baja complejidad, como alimentos y animales vivos, que generan menor valor agregado. Para un crecimiento sostenible, se requiere desarrollar nuevas habilidades y conocimientos complementarios, especialmente en los ámbitos científico y productivo. Destacan oportunidades de colaboración regional con Guatemala y Costa Rica y un potencial tecnológico aún no explotado, capaz de generar más de 600 patentes anuales.
#

Assessing the Innovation Capabilities of Indonesia

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2026

This study evaluates Indonesia’s innovation capabilities by mapping its scientific, technological, and production know-how across 626 fields. It finds that Indonesia possesses 106 capabilities, largely concentrated in production and science, with weak technological development. Most capabilities are low in complexity and weakly interconnected, limiting sustainability and competitiveness. While the country shows specialization in resource-based and selected scientific areas, its global innovation output remains modest. The report highlights opportunities for “smart diversification” into related, higher-complexity fields and identifies significant untapped technological potential, particularly in converting existing knowledge into patents and innovation outputs.

Previous studies

#

WIPO-ASEAN Design Manual

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2018