Patents as a Strategic Tool to Boost Algerian Exports Non-hydrocarbon Sector

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the strategic role of patents in supporting and enhancing Algeria's export capacity in non-hydrocarbon sectors, as part of efforts to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbon revenues. It also seeks to understand the relationship between legally protected innovation and the competitiveness of Algerian products in foreign markets. We relied on an appropriate descriptive and analytical approach to review relevant literature on innovation and non-traditional exports and analyzed various data and statistics to measure the impact of patents on the performance of Algerian exports non-hydrocarbon sector during the period 2017-2023. The results showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between the number of patents registered locally and internationally and the development of exports non-hydrocarbon sector. It was observed that the most innovative sectors (such as pharmaceuticals, agricultural technology, and some manufacturing industries) have greater opportunities to penetrate foreign markets when reinforced by legal intellectual property protection. The study also confirmed that the absence of a comprehensive national strategy for registering and exploiting patents represents an obstacle to transforming local innovation into a competitive advantage at the international level. The study recommends strengthening the innovation environment and encouraging patent registration among inventors, academic institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises