2006-10-12 10:37:53 · 2 answers · asked by Pseudo Obscure 6 in Social Science ➔ Economics
In part. The thing about patents is that they are published. So, when you get a patent for something there is pretty much a description of how to do - whatever it is you've figured out how to do - so that other people can build on the idea. As such, while patents create incentives to develop new technology, it also provides a method for people to learn about new technology and build on the advances in new and different ways.
2006-10-12 16:46:35 · answer #1 · answered by DW 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patents help create prestige and a market for new inventions and their inventors, so patents are certainly a big factor.
The greatest single factor though, is the necessity of war. War has necessitated more inventions than anything else in human history.
An interesting discussion of patents and markets can be found in the Cuban pharmaceutical market (you'll have to do some reading) but it's fascinating because Cuba has an enormous pharmaceutical trade, but can't make any money at it because communism doesn't support patents.
2006-10-13 01:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by roberticvs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋