(Re)discovering new innovations derived from historical knowledge: fostering the responsible and ethical development of sustainable innovations

Helen Yu

Chapter 4 in Intellectual Property, Ethical Innovation and Sustainability, 2026, pp 38-50 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: While archaeological and anthropological research data and artifacts reflect people and cultures of the past, they also include lost scientific knowledge that can benefit society today. Because the rediscovery of historical findings and learnings – combined with present-day knowledge and technology – may lead to innovations with significant social and commercial potential that can help address some of the grand societal challenges we are currently facing, the use of the past to benefit the future must be underpinned by an ethical social contract co-developed with the stakeholders. Through a holistic interpretation of the policy landscape relating to responsible research and sustainable development of innovations, this chapter will examine how IP rights can be used to respectfully achieve equitable benefit sharing in view of current socio-economic realities.

Keywords: Rediscovering Knowledge; Responsible Research and Innovation; Equitable Benefit Sharing; Inclusive and Responsive Stakeholder Engagement; Sustainable Innovation Models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035367764
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