Knowledge as the productive factor of the 21st century

What do organizations think about the intellectual property of indigenous peoples?

Abstract

This article is an introduction to a topic that is so unknown and yet so fundamental: what risks and opportunities do TRIPs (Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights) represent for indigenous populations that are bearers of knowledge and natural resources? To answer this question, the authors delve into the meaning of intellectual property and knowledge as the fourth factor and first in order of importance for the generation of wealth in today's world, identify the significance of this factor, contextualize it in the framework of international agreements-contracts (Uruguay Round, WTO, Doha Declaration, FTAA/CAFTA) and consider the WTO as a non-state organization but with rules that have a character of unavoidable compliance by States - in this case in relation to TRIPs. In the end, they offer a framework for self-reflection for indigenous communities and the organizations that work with them.