Recognizing Informal Sector Innovation: Implications for Traditional Knowledge Development in Africa
In 2012, a civil society group called the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), raised concerns about a draft Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) plant variety protection protocol. AFSA was concerned,
Exploring gender through African oral traditions
By Vanessa Turyatunga
Language shapes and reveals aspects of different cultures and identities. Through my Masters’ work on Yoruba religion, it has become evident to...
Complexities of Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship by Two Indigenous Organisations...
Authored by: Britta Rutert and Cath Traynor
Abstract: In this Working Paper, we present our findings in respect of the innovative and entrepreneurial behaviour...
Prof. Osei-Tutu speaks at the University of Ottawa
Too often, scholarly work and debates relating to Intellectual Property (IP) have focused on the protection and profits of the IP holder, as opposed to promoting open-access and the broader interests of the community. In her talk at the University of Ottawa on February 9th, Professor Janewa Osei-Tutu suggested we readjust the lens through which IP innovation is examined, using human development as the standard.
40th WIPO IGC: Mixed Impressions as Experts Seek a New Mandate
By Chidi Oguamanam, cross-posted from ABS Canada.
Pre-session
Strategy Meetings
Experts and delegates gathered in Geneva for the 40th session of the WIPO IGC, which commenced on...
US Fails to Block Progress over Genetic Resources Text at WIPO-IGC...
Photo credit: Image by Ville Oksanen via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
By Chidi Oguamanam, cross-posted from ABS Canada.
After six days of deliberations (June 24-29, 2018) to secure...
Everywhere Still Invisible: Women and Their Traditional Knowledge
By Ghazaleh Jerban
I was so excited to be travelling to South Africa as an Open AIR NERG and QEScholar, in the middle of Canada’s notorious winter...
Expedited COVID-19 R&D: Indigenous Knowledge and ABS Imperative
With the world on edge as the COVID-19 crisis progresses, the scientific community has sprung into gear in search of an effective treatment. Research and Development (R&D) is progressing at unprecedented speeds. Amidst this rapid development, traditional knowledge plays a significant role in scientific endeavours. Through traditional knowledge, medical researchers can gain guidance and inspiration and bypass prolonged and expensive scatter-gun approaches to R&D.
Place-Based Branding for Locally Specific Products
Published by Open AIRPublication Date: 2014 Download: Briefing Note: Place-Based Branding for Locally Specific Products (392KB)
This 2014 Briefing Note outlines findings from Open AIR...
Traditional cultural expressions preservation and innovation: The Tonga Baskets of Zambia
By Charlene Musiza
The marketing of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) – which are manifestations of traditional culture such as handicrafts, sculptures and performances – presents...
