The impact of industrial property on the Latin American economy
A new joint study of the Oficina Europea de Patentes (OEP) and Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL) Plans Naciones Unidas, published in Múnich y Santiago de ChileThe report quantifies the impact of intellectual property in the region. It concludes that manufacturing industries that make intensive use of patents and trademarks, such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, are a key driver of development, contributing to... 13,6% of GDP and generating 1,6 million jobs en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC).
These sectors not only create jobs, but they do so with high added value. Productivity in these industries is significantly higher, which translates directly into higher wages. On average, salaries are 30% higher than in other sectors. This effect is even more pronounced in industries that rely heavily on patents, where Productivity jumps by an additional 16% and wages exceed the average by more than 50%..
| Economic Indicator | Impact on IP-Intensive Industries |
|---|---|
| Contribution to regional GDP | 13,6 % |
| Jobs created | 1,6 million |
| Average salary premium | +30% above average |
| Salary bonus (patents only) | +50% above average |
| Productivity increase (patents only) | +16% over other sectors |
According to António Campinos, President of the OEP, "Industrial property can drive development, but its economic impact depends on the innovation ecosystem as a whole and the regulatory frameworks that support it.". Campinos He adds that “commercialization skills, technology transfer capacity and stronger links between university and industry […] are essential for innovation to translate into sustained value over time.”
For its part, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the CEPAL, commented that "América Latina y el Caribe "It needs a more mature conversation about intellectual property, one that is connected to the rest of the policies for productive development." He emphasizes that intellectual property "It will contribute to development, but it will do so more effectively when it is part of comprehensive policies […] aimed at closing technological gaps, strengthening domestic capabilities, and improving the region's position in higher value-added activities".
Technological dependence: a structural challenge for the region
Despite the value generated, the study of the OEP and CEPAL This highlights a strong dependence on foreign countries. Trade and patent flows reveal that the region is primarily a technology importer. The figures are clear:
- Industries that are intensive in intellectual property represent the 19% of importsbut only 9% of exports.
- Products that depend on patents alone account for 15% of imports.
- Over 85% of patent applications The applications submitted in the region come from foreign applicants.
- Only 13,5% of applications are of national origin, led by Brasil y México.
The hidden potential in universities and the innovation gap
The report identifies significant untapped innovation potential. Public research institutions, such as universities and laboratories, are a key source of inventions, representing the 29% of all patent applications presented in ALC enjoyed between 2016 and 2020.
However, an "innovation gap" is evident: many of the technologies invented in the region end up being owned by foreign companies. In 2020, the global share of technologies invented in América Latina y el Caribe It was almost 80% higher than the proportion of patents registered by local applicants. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in the sector of computer technologywhere a large proportion of inventions are patented by companies based in Estados Unidos y Europa.
The analysis, which covers nine countries (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, México, Perú y Uruguay), concludes that greater collaboration and technology transfer is crucial to reducing external dependence and capitalizing on internal innovative talent.
Key points and frequently asked questions about Industrial Property in Latin America
How does this technological dependence affect Spanish companies operating in Latin America?
For Spanish companies, this scenario presents a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they face a competitive market where cutting-edge technology is dominated by players from Estados Unidos y EuropaOn the other hand, strategic opportunities arise to establish alliances with local research centers, which are hubs of innovation but lack the capacity for global commercialization.
What business opportunities arise from this report for Spanish exporters?
The opportunities focus on technology transfer, licensing, and the creation of joint venturesSpanish companies with a strong R&D component can position themselves as key partners to industrialize and bring to market the inventions generated in the region's universities and public centers, helping to close the identified "innovation gap".
What should managers know about patent registration in the region?
Managers must understand that, although the system is dominated by foreign applicants, there is a local innovation ecosystem with great potential. Protecting intellectual property in key markets of ALC It is fundamental, but so is exploring collaborations with the local research community to develop market-adapted solutions and leverage available talent.
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