On 17 March 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) organised a Workshop on the Implementation of Article 66.2 of the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement: Incentives for Technology Transfer to Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The TRIPS Agreement promotes technology transfer and dissemination as part of its objectives. Article 66.2 specifically requires developed countries to provide incentives for their companies to transfer technology to LDCs. Under a decision by the TRIPS Council (IP/C/28), developed countries submit reports detailing how they implement these incentives. To facilitate this process, the WTO Secretariat hosts an annual workshop on Article 66.2, bringing together stakeholders to discuss progress and challenges.
INCiTiS-FOOD had the honour of participating in this workshop. Following a successful presentation, we spoke with our project partner Prof. Olufemi Julius Olapade, Associate Professor in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, School of Natural Resources Management, Njala University, Sierra Leone, and our project co-coordinator Dr. Emmanuel Olatunbosun Benjamin, a research fellow at the Institute for Sociology and Economics, Professorship of Development Economics and Policy, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Germany.
Their presentation highlighted the INCiTiS-FOOD project and showcased key technologies, including aquaponics, hydroponics, snail farming, and insect farming. These innovations offer promising solutions for sustainable food production in LDCs.
In this blog post, we ask Dr. Olapade and Dr. Benjamin a series of questions and share their insights. Read on to learn more about the workshop and their perspectives.
What were the main messages or key takeaways from your presentation at the WTO workshop?
Dr. Benjamin: The key takeaway from the presentation was that international collaborations between the Global North and South on practical, locally driven innovations can be successful, provided they consider local needs and context.
Dr. Olapade: The key takeaway for me is simple – sharing the results and outcomes of
internationally funded projects can highlight success rates and engender uptake for replication while also pointing out areas where improvements are needed. The progress made towards food and nutrition security, especially in the face of climate and environmental challenges, was demonstrated in most of the projects presented.
What challenges do LDCs face in adopting and implementing new technologies for agriculture?
Dr. Benjamin: LDCs face several challenges in adopting and implementing new agricultural technologies, which can hinder productivity and sustainable development. One major challenge is knowledge gaps, as farmers and local stakeholders may lack the necessary training and technical expertise to effectively utilize modern agricultural innovations. Limited access to extension services and educational resources further exacerbates this issue.
Another significant barrier is limited financial resources. Many farmers in LDCs operate on small-scale, subsistence-level farming with minimal capital to invest in new technologies. High costs associated with modern equipment, improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems make it difficult for them to transition to more efficient agricultural practices. Additionally, inadequate access to credit and financial support from banks or government programs further restricts their ability to adopt these innovations.
Furthermore, LDCs often struggle with the reliance on non-local solutions, which may not always align with their specific agricultural and environmental conditions. Many technological advancements are developed in regions with different climates, soil compositions, and farming practices, making them less effective or impractical for local farmers. The lack of locally driven innovation and adaptation to the unique challenges of LDCs can result in inefficient implementation and lower adoption rates.
Dr. Olapade: LDCs face several challenges when it comes to adopting and implementing new technologies in agriculture. Some of the challenges confronting LDCs are low levels of education and technical skills, inadequate infrastructure, climate and environmental risks, land tenure systems, and poor marketing linkages, especially international, and social and cultural barriers. The introduction of innovation and technologies that are not adaptable and compatible with the traditional experience of the people have been found to be counterproductive.
What role do partnerships (EU-AU, public-private, research institutions) play in facilitating technology transfer?
Dr. Benjamin: Partnerships, such as those between the EU and AU, public-private collaborations, and research institutions, play a vital role in facilitating technology transfer by fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange. These collaborations help bridge the gap between technology developers and end-users, ensuring that innovations are accessible, relevant, and effectively implemented in different local contexts. One key way partnerships contribute to technology transfer is through co-creation and co-design. By involving multiple stakeholders – such as policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and local communities – these collaborations ensure that technologies are tailored to meet specific needs and challenges. This approach enhances the relevance and effectiveness of innovations as they are developed with direct input from those who will use them.
Another critical aspect of partnerships is capacity-building, which strengthens the ability of local institutions, farmers, and businesses to adopt and sustain new technologies. This includes training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and skill development efforts that empower local actors with the technical expertise needed for long-term success. Research institutions, for instance, play a crucial role in offering technical assistance, while public-private partnerships can provide funding, infrastructure, and market access to support innovation adoption.
Dr. Olapade: Partnerships involving the EU-AU, public-private collaboration, and research institutions are critical in overcoming the barriers to technology transfer in agriculture. They help provide financial resources, technical expertise, capacity building, and market access, all of which are essential for successfully implementing and scaling new agricultural technologies in developing regions. The partnership will
also promote the building of local ecosystems for technology transfer.
What policy changes or support mechanisms would further enhance technology transfer to LDCs?
Dr. Benjamin: Policy reforms and support mechanisms that establish legal and institutional frameworks conducive to technology adoption are crucial for fostering innovation,driving economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development. A well-structured policy environment helps remove barriers to technology transfer, encourages investment in research and development, and facilitates the seamless integration of new technologies across various sectors.
One key aspect of policy reforms is the development of clear and supportive regulatory frameworks that provide guidelines for technology adoption, intellectual property rights, and market access. Streamlined regulations can reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for businesses and research institutions to introduce new technologies. Additionally, policies that incentivize innovation – such as tax breaks, subsidies, and funding programs – can encourage both public and private sector investment in technological advancements.
Support mechanisms play an equally vital role by providing the necessary financial, technical, and institutional backing for technology adoption. This includes grants, low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships that help bridge funding gaps and ensure that small-scale enterprises and local communities have access to new innovations. Establishing dedicated innovation hubs, incubators, and technology transfer centers can further facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity-building efforts.
By actively collaborating with businesses, research organizations, and civil society, policymakers can ensure that technology adoption aligns with local needs and priorities. Private sector engagement fosters market-driven solutions, while research institutions contribute technical expertise and innovation. Civil society organizations, including community groups and NGOs, help advocate for inclusive and equitable access to technology, ensuring that marginalized populations benefit from advancements.
Furthermore, policy support and institutional frameworks should encourage the formal recognition and protection of indigenous knowledge, ensuring that local expertise is valued and integrated into national and global agricultural strategies. Incentives such as grants, subsidies, and funding for community-led agricultural innovations can further promote the adoption of sustainable practices.
Dr. Olapade: The policies and mechanisms that support technology transfer to LDCs should focus on improving access to knowledge, reducing financial barriers, creating favorable regulatory environments, and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. By prioritizing sustainable, climate-resilient technologies and adapting them to local conditions, LDCs can make significant strides in improving agricultural productivity, food security, and overall development.
In your opinion, what are the next steps for advancing technology transfer in sustainable food production?
Dr. Benjamin: The next step in advancing technology transfer for sustainable food production is to integrate modern innovations with indigenous knowledge, creating a holistic approach that leverages the strengths of both. Indigenous knowledge, accumulated over generations, offers valuable insights into local ecosystems, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices. When combined with cutting-edge technology, such as climate-smart innovations and digital tools, it can enhance productivity while preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Dr. Olapade: To successfully advance the transfer of technology in sustainable food production, there would be the need to embrace different approaches, which would include but not be limited to the involvement of stakeholders at every level – governments, the private sector, research institutions, NGOs, and local communities. It is also important to focus on overcoming barriers, fostering collaboration, and creating scalable solutions that can be adapted to local conditions.
How do you see the future of EU-AU cooperation in food production evolving?
Dr. Benjamin: I envision a strong and integrated EU-AU cooperation on food production in the near future, driven by the gradual convergence of food quality and standards. As both regions recognize the importance of sustainable agriculture, food security, and trade facilitation, deeper collaboration will become essential in aligning regulatory frameworks, improving market access, and promoting shared best practices in food production.
Dr. Olapade: The future of EU-AU cooperation in food production holds significant potential, especially as both regions face common challenges such as climate change, food security, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. The EU-AU partnership
would likely expand and deepen through various strategic initiatives, building on the existing frameworks and addressing emerging challenges.
Conclusion
The WTO workshop on Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement highlighted the crucial role of technology transfer in advancing agricultural innovation and food security in LDCs. The insights shared by Dr. Olapade and Dr. Benjamin reinforced the importance of locally driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and supportive policies in addressing adoption challenges. Strengthening these efforts can accelerate sustainable agricultural development and create lasting benefits for local communities.
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