Economic growth requires idea generators

This chapter argues that if we truly want to advance the objectives of SDG 8 for sustained economic growth that results in full employment and decent work, IP policymakers should pay more attention to the conditions under which idea generators work and live. In so doing, it focuses needed attention on the important role that individuals, particularly employees, play in developing ideas that lead to innovation and economic growth. Drawing upon recent scholarship in the fields of economics, cognitive science, and knowledge management, it argues that because we know more today about the conditions that affect ideation, greater consideration should be given to whether IP laws improve or hamper ideation. It calls attention to laws and business practices that restrict access to and sharing of information, like trade secret laws and confidentiality agreements, and suggests that more can be done to nurture information sharing and learning among idea generators.