Intellectual Property Industry, Innovation, Entrepreneurs, Research, and Science

Intellectual Property Industry and High-Tech Development

With continuous and diverse technological innovations, the perfection of the internet, and increasing freight traffic, the market for products and services, along with the competition that accompanies it, has shifted from being local to spanning the entire globe. Competition is fierce and growing, and in such circumstances, the protection of intellectual property becomes an increasingly important factor in the traditional operations of businesses. This applies everywhere in the world and not least here in this country. With increasingly sophisticated technology, it has become easier to infringe on intellectual property rights and use the work of others for one's own benefit.

It is important to ensure that Icelandic innovation, Icelandic design, Icelandic art, and Icelandic production are protected in all respects both domestically and abroad. Rules on intellectual property protection have mostly been harmonised worldwide, and we should use them to protect Icelandic intellectual property and Icelandic products on the international market.

Additionally, it is important for the government to make decisions aimed at promoting entrepreneurs and artists and supporting them in bringing their ideas to reality. Such support pays significant dividends in the bigger picture, as intellectual property can boost economic growth, yield export revenues, and create jobs. Icelandic entrepreneurial activity has, for example, proven itself over the past years.

Framsókn wants the government to take actions with the aim of establishing monitoring for potential infringements on Icelandic intellectual property while also assisting entrepreneurs, producers, and authors in seeking their rights when their intellectual property rights are violated.

Framsókn wants the government to assist individuals and legal entities in ensuring that their products and services enjoy distinction on the international market through the use of laws and regulations in the field of intellectual property rights.

Framsókn wants to ensure that education on intellectual property rights and their protection is available to all. The goals of such education would include introducing how one can ensure the protection of their intellectual property before it is too late, e.g., in terms of patents and trademark protection.

High-tech development has transformed the world in recent years. In Iceland, there are many opportunities available when it comes to increased participation of Icelanders and Icelandic companies in this development, particularly given that the nation's education level is very high compared to most other countries and the foundation for further development in this field is based on innovation.

Framsókn therefore wants to promote increased advancement in this field here in the country to ensure greater prosperity for the nation in the long term.

Framsókn wants to ensure equal access to high-tech education.

Research and Science

Public Support for Scientific Research

Along with operating institutions that have the task of researching various aspects concerning, for example, nature and commerce, to name a few, the government also supports scientific research in various ways. Primarily through funding to research institutions and certain research projects within the walls of universities. Tax incentives for further research have also been legislated here in the country. In addition, the state runs competitive funds aimed at providing financial support to research projects.

Framsókn emphasizes guarding strong universities in the country. Icelanders also have robust research companies that have been at the forefront of their fields. Framsókn wants public support to continue being provided for supporting research projects of all kinds both in the interest of science and further innovation and job creation here in the country.

Framsókn wants to support students studying important fields in science and innovation, e.g., with adequate student loans to study abroad if they are not offered here domestically.

Funding and Support Environment for Innovation

The first years of an innovation company generally prove challenging, and many of them do not survive these years. The early years of a project are characterized by the design and creation of a service or product, but during this time, income is scarce, and costs are considerable. At this time, it is important that support is available both from public authorities and through private initiatives.

It is crucial that startups and other innovation companies have sufficient funding opportunities to navigate through difficult design and development periods, ensuring that innovation gains a strong foothold and results in profitable companies that boost economic growth here in the country. A clear overall picture needs to be formed with legislation that encourages private entities such as financially strong investors, pension funds, and other companies to invest more in innovation activities. It is important for innovation companies to secure funding to cover salaries and related expenses, as well as meet costs of designing and developing specific solutions. Framsókn proposes that tax incentives for individuals purchasing shares in startups become a permanent provision in the tax laws, as it is believed that the economic benefit of such an arrangement would exceed the cost of the action. The possibility of companies supporting innovation activities receiving tax advantages (should also be) explored.

Framsókn supports the activities of Rannís and its grant system, which is important for both entrepreneurs and innovation in general.

Framsókn wants to increase funding to major innovation funds such as the Technology Development Fund. In recent years, projects with strong foundations and good growth potential have not received support due to a lack of funding. Framsókn also wants to improve the tax environment for innovation companies as well as entrepreneurs.

Further innovation should be encouraged with more diverse grant opportunities for startups.

Framsókn wants to add a category in the reference rules of calculated remuneration at the Directorate of Internal Revenue for startups. One of the primary ways entrepreneurs finance their companies in the very first years is through their own contributions to the company. A new category would enable entrepreneurs to keep development costs down until sufficient funding is obtained for the project without losing rights in the labor market. Today, entrepreneurs have to calculate competitive wages for themselves too early in the development process, which often hinders the growth of companies in the early stages.

Entrepreneurs

Social Entrepreneurs

The activities of social entrepreneurs aim to seek new solutions to solve social problems, e.g., issues concerning developing countries and nature. Sometimes the activities of social entrepreneurs take the form of intellectual property and innovation or the use of technology, but they can also involve simpler solutions.

Activities of this kind are socially important and can often untie knots that governments would otherwise have to tackle daily. Social entrepreneurs generally do not operate for profit but rather out of passion and vision. The goal is to have a positive impact on their immediate environment and even more broadly by solving problems that would otherwise trouble their community.

Framsókn wants the government to support the activities of social entrepreneurs in various ways, similarly to what is done for traditional companies operating for profit and research activities in the interests of science and innovation.