Innovation policy making in an intangible economy: freedom to operate

In today’s innovation economy, most corporate value is in the form of intangible assets, particularly intellectual property (IP) and data assets. The IP rules that shape freedom to operate are created and dynamically modified by policy makers, domestically and globally.

While US, Chinese, and European policy makers are actively using IP rules to increase the freedom to operate for their domestic firms, Canada’s economic approaches are rooted in outdated tangible based orthodoxies and have not kept pace with today’s knowledge-based and data driven economy.

This course delves into the world of IP and freedom to operate, exploring its growth and utility in today’s economy. Participants will learn about the IP generation process, freedom to operate, challenges faced by companies, strategies for IP success, and global perspectives on IP policies. Real-world case studies will highlight how companies leverage IP to advance their position in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and clean technology. The course emphasizes the importance of creating policies that drive ownership of intangible assets for commercial advantage and economic prosperity.