We have the great pleasure in presenting to you the fourth in a series of five case studies from five Agricultural Research Institutions in developing countries. These case studies aim to share experiences from developing countries in the areas surrounding IP management, to encourage continuous development and application of scientific discoveries and technological improvements, as well as to serve as a means to recognise the respective contribution and rights of lead scientists, partners and institutions through the grant of intellectual property rights.
Supported by the National Partners Initiative (NPI) of the Central Advisory Services on Intellectual Property (CAS-IP) of the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR), the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) in Burkina Faso has completed its project on defining the INERA’s intellectual property policy.
In this case study, the author describes her methodology for creating awareness in IP management and implementing the IP policy for INERA, a national research institute in Burkina Faso. As a public entity, INERA has the mandate to ensure the formulation, implementation and coordination of environmental and agricultural research in Burkina Faso. INERA has produced many scientific results and innovations that are placed in the public domain which are promoted essentially through direct exploitation by producers and scientists, and the publication of scientific papers. The present paper emphasizes the need to sensitise and increase the awareness of scientists in IP issues to encourage their participation in IP policy implementation and assets evaluation. Difficulties encountered during the study include lack of awareness of IP issues and low understanding of IP-related legislations. The paper further recommends an implementation of a general IP policy in research at national and regional level in the framework of CORAF/WECARD. Sensitisation through workshops and meetings is essential to increase awareness of scientists and the various actors involved in the promotion of research results.
The full text can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Post written by Karine Malgrand , Facilitator of the National Partners Initiative for CAS-IP
the CAS-IP blog 