Intellectual property spurs innovation and technological progress
SA’s economy can only improve if we are free to innovate knowing that the government is protecting our rights — physical and intellectual
April 26 marks World Intellectual Property (IP) Day. The day celebrates the role that IP rights play in spurring innovation and technological progress. The theme of year’s event is: Innovation – Improving Lives. The World Intellectual Property Organisation director-general, Francis Gurry, states, "IP is a crucial part of a successful innovation system. It provides a return for those who take the risk to introduce the ‘new’ — in terms of products and services — into the economy. It provides a framework for the rather difficult and challenging journey that any idea has to undertake before becoming a commercially available product or service." Innovation in medical technology, over the past five decades, has given scientists access to powerful tools to develop new procedures and drugs that have resulted in unprecedented advancements in human longevity. World-wide, life expectancy at birth has increased dramatically from an average of 53 years in 1960 to an average of 72 years in 2015. ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.