Brazilian beekeeping: innovation and industrial property

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the work is to identify the perception on the importance and the level of priority given to the issue of innovation and industrial property by the Brazilian associations of beekeepers. Methods: The methodology employed is qualitative; the universe was formed by the associations of beekeepers affiliated to the Brazilian Beekeeping Confederation – CBA and participants of the XXII Brazilian Congress of Beekeeping – CONBRAPI. The sample of the study is composed of 35 interviewees. Results: Most of the associations do not have a registration of industrial property at the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property – INPI; for a great part of the respondents, brand, patent and geographical indication are the items regarding industrial property with high priority for beekeeping; they understand that these items are tools to promote innovation in beekeeping; they also believe that industrial property can be a strategy for the associations and/or beekeepers to gain competitiveness in the national and global markets, only if organized via an association. Discussion: Industrial property, as well as the innovation and technology variables, are important in the beekeeping activity, but they are not being used as instruments of competitiveness, protection and trading of the intangibles. In the study, it was verified that public policy geared to guidance and legal and financial support is necessary for the governance and implementation of research and development activities, and that it can lead to innovation and industrial property. However, the data showed lack of public policy, especially concerning the environmental issue, and its impacts on beekeeping were considered with little or no commitment of the governments.