Technology transfer and IPR policy for small and medium firms in South-East Asia

In theory, small and medium firms have much to gain from the intellectual property rights system: in practice, SMEs have trouble using the IPR system. Yet the developing world is encouraged by the developed to look to IPR to make its SMEs more innovative and hence competitive. If SMEs are to make effective use of IPR, it must be within their existing business strategy. For them, copying may be a more appropriate and successful form of technology transfer than licensing IPR from developed countries.