Geographical Indication (GI) options for Ethiopian Coffee and Ghanaian Cocoa

Reflections on the Lack of Biofuel Innovation in Egypt
the Eco-Patent Commons initiative to create a collection of patents that concern
inventions that directly or indirectly protect the environment (Hall and Helmers,
2011). The patents are pledged by companies and other IP rights-holders and are
made available to anyone free of charge. This patent commons is a resource for
connecting those who have had success with a particular challenge to those who
are facing similar challenges (WBCSD, 2011). Since the launch of the Eco-Patent
Commons, 121 eco-friendly patents have been contributed by 13 companies worldwide
(WBCSD, 2011). The patent commons model could be deployed in Egypt
in order to pool Egyptian clean energy technology contributions and provide an
institutional design that allows easy access to patented clean energy technologies.
Accordingly, a biofuels innovation pool that contains different licences from
Egyptian patent-holders or breeders of new plant varieties could stimulate use of
innovation for equitable reward. Those members of the private sector interested
in investing in biofuels innovation could pay a reasonable fee for using these protected
technologies. (See Chapters 6 and 7 in this volume for discussion of commons
modalities in relation to traditional knowledge [TK].)
Research incentives
One of the main obstacles facing researchers and scientists in Egypt is a lack of
funds. And several interviewees criticised the lack of government help in marketing
their innovations, making it more difficult to recoup research expenses. Providing
incentives in the form of research grants and awards could help promote innovation.
Stakeholder structures
There is neither a policy nor a holistic strategy for the development of biofuels in
Egypt. A researcher, scientist or an investor in the field of biofuels does not have
access to a governmental body that can provide guidance, funds or approvals in
the context of biofuels. Thus Egypt is in need of a workable biofuels strategy and
a body that is responsible for governing biofuels research with the objective of
developing this important field of technology for national interests. The activities
of this body could include:
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setting out a national holistic biofuels strategy that includes, but is not
limited to, deciding the optimum level of biofuel generation that Egypt can
implement along with providing the necessary infrastructure;
gathering research data and literature regarding biofuels and compiling a
list of research projects undertaken by research institutions in Egypt to
facilitate effective research and cooperation among scientists;
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