The strategic use of intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a valuable tool for addressing global challenges, particularly in promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this research agenda, CIPPM highlights the role of IP as a driver of sustainable development and resilience.
Taking the contributions of the effective use of IP strategies, the research work focuses on how interconnected IP strategies can address sustainability and resilience challenges in three key themes.
The first theme, Geopolitical Risk, Regional Integration, and IP Strategy, examines the role of IP in mitigating geopolitical risks and promoting regional economic integration, with a particular focus on Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. This research deals with IP strategies that foster resilience and protect IP assets in global uncertainties from the intersections of IP, trade, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), internationalisation of companies, and geopolitics. Research priorities here include promoting regional cooperation, economic stability, and enhanced IP frameworks to address shared challenges. CIPPM is very involved in this topic, which is key to the “British Academy Small Grant” led by Dr Suelen Carls, which was awarded in 2023. Dr Carls also secured funding from the “CONFAP – CNPq – THE UK ACADEMIES Fellowships, Research Mobility, and Young Investigator Grants for UK researchers in Brazil” to spend a month in Brazil doing research connected to this topic.
The second and third themes overlap. One focuses on Geographical Indications (GIs): Climate Adaptation, Cultural Heritage, and Food Security. Research highlights the importance of protecting traditional food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices when targeting a sustainable future. In this context, GIs provide a framework for addressing local and global food security challenges while they hold the ability to safeguard cultural identity and promote environmental resilience.
The other link, Patents and Sustainable Innovation for Food Security and Regional Development, investigates how patents can favour adopting sustainable agriculture, energy, and food security technologies. From identifying the best practices and removing barriers to innovation, the research supports regional ecosystems and addresses pressing societal needs. Insights from this work contribute to a more robust framework for sustainable development across jurisdictions. This research initiative emphasises the transformative potential of IP frameworks in creating a sustainable, resilient, and equitable global society. Publications like “Net-zero Emissions and Food Security: Using Patents to Promote Sustainable Innovation and Technology Transfer in the Food and Agriculture Sector” and “The potential of follow-on innovation financing instruments to support a sustainable transition” showcase CIPPM commitment with the topic.
