in PUBLIC POLICY AND GLOBAL TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION 39-65 (eds. F. M. Abbott & D. Gerber) (Kluwer Law International 1997), also published as 72 Chi-Kent L. Rev. 385 (!996-97)

Download here

The optimal approach to creating and maintaining an equitable balance in the international IPRs system will likely involve a combination of approaches. The goal of the international IPRs system should be to promote innovation, while protecting against the continuation and exacerbation of a stark division of the global economic system among the technological haves and have nots. The importance of the relationship between IPRs and economic development is apparent. Long delays in implementing policies in favor of reducing disparities in knowledge-based wealth seem likely-though not certain - to exacerbate long term problems. Developments in technology itself - embodied in the information revolution - may nevertheless remain an obstacle to putting technology to use. Disputes will certainly arise as to the proper means of distributing the fruits of the information revolution. Herein lies the role of the public policy planner - promoting a balance between highly useful private capital formation and the general social welfare of humankind.