Impact Analysis of Intellectual Property Infrastructure

As the value and role of intellectual property increases in our knowledge-based economy, countries around the world have exerted various efforts to secure, utilize, and protect their intellectual property. The present study diagnoses the level of IP infrastructure of major OECD countries and analyzes their characteristics and impact. According to the diagnosis, the US, Switzerland, and Germany form a leading group followed by the mid-level countries of Korea, Ireland, Australia, and France, with Spain and Italy in the bottom group. In contrast to Korea's competitiveness in S&T and R&D infrastructures, its competitiveness in IP infrastructure is lower than the OECD average. This is thought to be due to Korea's IP infrastructure being hastily formed under the influence of international pressures rather than having been gradually built up by internal needs. A TFP analysis of the impact of IP infrastructure on economic growth shows IP infrastructure positively influences economic growth. Though this analysis is limited due to inability to secure sufficient data and indicators, it is a useful guide for understanding the nature and key characteristics of IP infrastructure.