Transfer of Technology and Intellectual Property Rights
A new program, Transfer of Technology and Intellectual Property Rights (TOT-IP), was implemented by UNCTAD. The aim of the program is to encourage underdeveloped countries to participate in international debates regarding the issues. The question is what types of technology transfer and intellectual property policies should be created for underdeveloped countries, and how can this be accomplished?
The specific objectives of the work Programme on TOT-IP, which can be found on the UNCTAD website, are as follows:
1. Deepen the understanding of the relationship between TOT-IP and development with a view to building and international consensus on making TOT-IP work for development
2. Examine the implications of regional and bilateral trade and investment agreements for developing countries
3. Identify ways and means to use TOT-IP to promote the technological capabilities of developing countries, and provide policy options for the operationalization of technology transfer clauses in international, regional and bilateral arrangements
4. Provide a forum for exchange of experiences and best practices in the formulation of development-oriented intellectual property and technology transfer policies
An overview of incentives available for developed countries: http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/iteipc20045_en.pdf
Existing international agreements regarding technology access: http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/psiteipcm5.en.pdf
http://www.unctad.org/en/docs//psiteiitd28.en.pdf
There are several sources online that provide individual case studies for underdeveloped countries and reports given by developed countries. As the world is increasingly relying on the advancement of technology, underdeveloped countries cannot fall behind: transfer and trade of technology and intellectual property rights policies need to be developed.
