Intellectual Property law may be key to improving sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, research suggests, and low- and middle-income countries have noticed.
“The engines of innovation have changed. Today, 7 in 10 IP filings come from Africa, Asia, and Latin America- up from 5 in 10 just 20 years ago,” Daren Tang, Director General World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) said in a speech to the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA). Unfortunately, many start-ups still neglect IP protection due to costs, lack of knowledge, or viewing it as non-essential.
It is important, however, Mr. Tang argues, and not just for formal enterprises.
“The IP ecosystem must not be just for IP experts or startups. It must serve the hustler, the jua kali artisan, and the small business owner. IP is a business and financial asset that helps innovators move from idea to market and ultimately build scalable ventures,” Mr. Tang says.
He also called for the integration of innovation into early education, pledging WIPO’s long-term support in the spirit of Kenya’s grassroots entrepreneurial energy.
IP Improves Sustainability
IP supports the achievement of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure to address sustainability challenges such as climate change and improved living standards. It is likely a key contributor to sustainability due to at least two unique characteristics of the laws, according to a study by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Japan Office in collaboration with WIPO’s Special Representative on the UN SDGs.
One is that IP empowers creators and inventors, offering legal backing that transforms ideas into income. This ability to monetize innovation encourages investment in technologies that support Sustainable Development Goals, from clean energy to smarter agriculture.
The second is that IP plays an equally vital role in the broader innovation ecosystem. It fuels the circular exchange of funding, talent, and technology between industry, government, and academia. By ensuring that investments pay off, IP strengthens the cooperative networks that trigger advancement.
IP can attract investment
Calling for the commercialization of intellectual property beyond mere protection, Mr. Tang added that the commercialization of IP should not only safeguard innovation but also serve as a strategic business asset to signal quality, attract investors, bring in partners, and negotiate deals, all from a position of strength.
Echoing the importance of IP rights, KeNIA Board Chair Dr. Tom Migun Ogada said in a blog post, “IP underpins KeNIA’s two strategic pillars: commercialization and startup support.” He acknowledged that WIPO is critical in helping Kenya launch its IP policy and highlighted KeNIA’s ongoing work with universities, particularly through the Productivity and Innovation Accelerator (PIA).
KENIA announced the development of a centralized portal. The portal would allow start-ups to submit their ideas for potential government support, further streamlining access to resources and mentorship. That work aligns with efforts around the world to improve access to IP information online. For example, the WIPO deployed IP Diagnostics, a free tool now available in Kiswahili.
Globally, the efforts to advance IP regulations have focused on developing basic IP infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, capacity-building, and human capital. The goal now is to put IP tools to work in support of the economic objectives of emerging economies.
About the Author
Mercy Nduati is the Engineering for Change Editorial Fellow for 2025. She also works on the editorial staff of the Vennomax Media Network that publishes the Industrial Journal magazine. And she has written for the magazine Kenya Engineer, published by the Institution of Engineers in Kenya. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and media from Egerton University.
