Using Intellectual Property Law and Regulatory Processes to Foster the Innovation and Diffusion of Environmental Technologies

Researchers and policy makers around the globe have become aware of the need to promote a more sustainable development paradigm. Sustainable development can only be achieved by addressing environmental and development concerns at the same time. One of the best means of promoting more sustainable development around the globe is through the innovation and diffusion of advanced environmental technologies. The use of intellectual property laws to assist in this technology transfer process is discussed. Strategies for modifying the environmental regulatory process to encourage innovation are described. The impacts of command-and-control technology-based standards on the technology innovation process are assessed. A new permitting strategy that would encourage innovation is proposed.