By Martin Banks - 19th November 2009
Protecting intellectual property rights in UNFCCC negotiations is key
Michael Taylor
A new report has said that a "strong intellectual property (IP) system" will support the development of green technologies and the creation of over two million jobs in the EU over the next 20 years.
The report, Clean Technology and European Jobs, states that approximately €1.7bn in research and development investment in clean technologies for adaptation and mitigation purposes will be needed in order for the EU to successfully reduce its emissions from greenhouse gasses.
These investments present a "tremendous opportunity" to create new high-skilled jobs in Europe, says the report, by the Coalition for Innovation, Employment and Development (CIED).
The development and production of renewable energy technologies alone could generate more than 2 million jobs in the EU by 2030, and this number is expected to double if related sectors are included, it says.
The report further highlights the importance of a strong IP rights regime in securing the investments and promoting the innovation of new technologies.
"As the EU moves forward developing new technologies to address climate change, protecting intellectual property rights in UNFCCC negotiations is key to meeting that goal," Michael Taylor, a representative of the CIED, told this website on Thursday.
"The EU is well positioned to tackle global environmental challenges through innovation of new technologies while providing significant job growth for Europe."
The CIED report also examines the role of intellectual property rights (IPR) on technology transfer.
The study concludes that despite "false" claims by anti-IP critics, intellectual property rights "are not an obstacle to technology transfer".
It says, "In fact, IP is identified as prerequisites to the sharing of technology.
"A strong IPR regime assures firms and inventors that their technologies are protected and promotes the diffusion of technologies to countries in both the developed and developing world."
Taylor added, "This study clearly indicates that involuntary measures such as compulsory licensing and other anti-IP efforts will hinder the EU's ability to reinvigorate its economy, create jobs, and lead the world in green technologies.
"The CIED urges the EU and member state representatives at the UN talks to remain steadfast in their support of IP as this is crucial as we move toward an international agreement on climate change."
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