In what form should the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) be treated in an endogenous growth model? What are the effects of introducing IPR into a North-South endogenous growth model? In this paper, we develop a general equilibrium endogenous growth model that emphasizes the IPR enforcement effects on growth, in a scenario of North-South technological knowledge diffusion. The economy consists of three sectors, and firms are engaged in step-by-step innovation. In line with the literature, we introduce an IPR parameter that makes imitation more difficult. We find that, in steady state, the increases in IPR protection result in decreases in the growth rate. This result is in line with the literature, which argues that the enforcement of IPR does not always have a positive effect on economic growth and highlights that there is much more work to be done in this field of study, given that the existing results are not consensual. To sum up, we present some suggestions for future research which can help to clarify the relationship between IPR and endogenous growth.

No abstract

No abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to review the increasing importance of knowledge in society in general and in economy in particular. Knowledge transfer is more and more important at different levels (e.g., micro and macro-level). The authors also intend to show the role played by ICTs in knowledge transfer. To illustrate this, they use some examples of institutions in Portugal, specifically they explore the case of Fraunhofer AICOS. Under the umbrella of the ICT4D concept, it is analyzed as ICTs can be used to surpass some difficulties of the least developing countries. However, there are also difficulties related to the acceptance and adoption of ICT solutions, as well as special requirements imposed by the reality of the countries.

The purpose of this chapter is to review the increasing importance of knowledge in society in general and in the economy in particular. Knowledge transfer is more and more important at different levels (e.g., micro and macro-level). The authors also intend to show the role played by ICTs in knowledge transfer. To illustrate this, they use some examples of institutions in Portugal. Specifically, they explore the case of Fraunhofer AICOS. Under the umbrella of the ICT4D concept, it is analyzed as ICTs can be used to surpass some difficulties of the least developing countries. However, there are also difficulties related to the acceptance and adoption of ICT solutions, as well as special requirements imposed by the reality of the countries.