Takeaways from the WIPO Chief Economist's Network Meeting

The WIPO Chief Economist’s Network has grown steadily, bringing together members from diverse countries, all committed to promoting evidence-based decision-making in intellectual property (IP). The network fosters global collaboration and invites all IP offices with economic research capacities to join. Its primary goal: to share knowledge that enhances the global impact of IP.

Key takeaways

A review of contributions from the WIPO Chief Economist’s Network members reveals two major themes: the role of IP in driving innovation and economic growth, and the growing importance of data-driven research in shaping evidence-based policies.

1. Intellectual property is a driver of innovation and economic growth

Countries like Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the European Patent Office (EPO) highlighted how IP fosters innovation, boosts firm competitiveness, and fuels economic growth.

• Canada demonstrated how IP drives firm performance by expanding markets, encouraging R&D, and accelerating innovation—especially in fields like quantum and clean technologies. This focus aligns with Canada’s research agenda on the economic benefits of patenting.
• France reported on the role of SMEs in patent filings, emphasizing how IP drives regional innovation. Its upcoming study (2019-2023) will shed light on the contribution of SMEs and mid-sized companies to innovation through patenting.
• Singapore linked IP to sustainability goals and firm performance, showing how IP supports broader economic and environmental objectives. The country’s use of IP to shape policy illustrates the connection between strong IP frameworks and national development.
• Switzerland is active in the field of new technologies and their influence on the IP system and publishes various studies on blockchain and IP as well as artificial intelligence and IP.
• The EPO emphasized IP’s role in cleantech innovation and startups. Its collaboration with the European Investment Bank on financing challenges underscores the potential of IP rights to drive growth, especially in clean technologies critical to Europe’s competitiveness.

Across all cases, IP is viewed not just as a legal tool but as a core component of national growth strategies. This shared understanding highlights IP's transformative potential in translating innovation into economic success.

2. Data-driven research shapes evidence-based ip policy

Another key theme was the growing reliance on data and research to inform IP policy and improve system efficiency.

• Australia conducted comprehensive studies on its innovation ecosystem, examining SMEs, labor mobility, patents for computer-related inventions, and patent grant timing. These studies highlight the need for data to understand patent system impacts.
• Austria explored why IP is underutilized as a financial asset for startups and SMEs, partly due to restrictive accounting rules. The Austrian Patent Office released a report highlighting IP’s potential for financing and proposed steps to increase awareness of its benefits.
• Brazil showcased its strategic intelligence platforms, such as INPI Data and the newly launched Brazil Innovation and Development Index. Brazil’s data-driven pricing policy shows how it optimizes its IP system for technological advancement.
• The United States Copyright Office provides tools and data to support independent research on copyright, alongside its own studies on AI, demographics, and creative industries. This commitment to transparency emphasizes the role of research in shaping policies that support creators and the broader economy.

These IP offices are committed to evidence-based decision-making by systematically collecting and analyzing IP data. This research culture ensures that their IP policies stay relevant, adaptable, and responsive to global challenges.

Resources

Find below resources from these and other IP offices of the network.

Related publications

Making innovation policy work for development