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Cabrera, Jorge --- "Innovation and Public Research in Central American Countries" [2009] ELECD 591; in Meléndez-Ortiz, Ricardo; Roffe, Pedro (eds), "Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009)

Book Title: Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development

Editor(s): Meléndez-Ortiz, Ricardo; Roffe, Pedro

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781848446458

Section: Chapter 13

Section Title: Innovation and Public Research in Central American Countries

Author(s): Cabrera, Jorge

Number of pages: 20

Extract:

13. Innovation and public research in Central
American countries
Jorge Cabrera

INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses intellectual property rights (IPRs) instruments and alternative
mechanisms for innovation stimulus in public research centres and universities in the
Central American region. The role of IPRs in innovation is systematically analysed;
however, the chapter does not provide an exhaustive examination of the different types
of IPRs, their characteristics1 or of the concept of innovation itself.2
Analysis and recommendations on IPRs and other tools designed to encourage
innovation should be undertaken at the following three levels:3

1. Institutional level: Refers to the way in which institutions (such as research centres,
universities and the private sector) deal with IPR instruments and other tools to
promote innovation. This chapter focuses primarily on this level.
2. National level: Broadly refers to the establishment of national policies and legal
frameworks to encourage public and private research and innovation in accordance
with national development objectives. In this respect, IPRs should be considered
as an integral part of the legal, institutional and political framework. Intellectual
property rights cannot be isolated or disconnected from country-specific national
innovation systems.
3. International level: Refers to active and effective country participation ­ with the aim
of presenting and defending national interests ­ in international instruments and
at different forums where IPRs, innovation and related topics are discussed. This
requires a clear understanding of the `rules of the game' in these forums and, even
more important, of their interactions and synergies.

In the case of the ...