Innovation and Intellectual Property

This is the fourth in a series of publications on innovation in Canada. Earlier studies investigated the type of innovation regime at work in firms that differ in terms of the novelty and importance of the innovations produced (Catalogue no. 88-513-XPB), how firm growth and innovation are related (Catalogue no. 61-553-RPE), how extensive is new computer-based technology use (Catalogue no. 88-512-XPB), and the problems and benefits associated with technology use (Catalogue no. 88-514-XPE). These studies focused primarily on the type of firm behaviour that creates and exploits new products or processes. While creative activities of enterprises are at the core of innovation, these activities require a supporting institutional framework. A key part of that institutional framework consists of the legal system within which transactions are carried out. For the innovation system, intellectual property rights are the supporting framework that is provided by the state.