IP-Valuation as a Tool to Sustain Innovation

Abstract

In recent years, a variety of interests have argued that improved standards are needed for valuing intangible assets. Although there is agreement on this general point, there is persistent divergence among accountants, investors and analysts, economists and other proponents about what intangibles to measure, why to measure them, and how to measure them. This project attempts to lift the question above these divergent perspectives and argues that the larger concern involves how the valuation and capitalization of intangible assets can promote and sustain innovation processes in the economy. This report is based on a position paper presented at the UNECE High Level Task-Force on Valuation and Capitalization of Intellectual Assets, and is supplemented by a commentated presentation of the taskforce s first meeting.