Investigation of the Patent Ecosystem in Bangladesh

A robust patent ecosystem is essential for translating scientific research into technological innovation, practical implementation, and economic growth. Despite Bangladesh’s rising scientific output, its patent filing and acceptance rates remain disproportionately low, highlighting a critical gap in the innovation landscape. This study examines the underlying causes of this disparity by analysing the patent ecosystem in Bangladesh using a mixed-methods approach. Analysing the data from the Bangladesh Patent Office (2017-2021), the study reveals that nearly 77% of patent applications were rejected, primarily due to non-compliance with drafting standards-a consequence of limited institutional expertise and public awareness. Further investigation identifies systemic barriers, including inadequate training programs, weak policy incentives, and a fragmented Intellectual Property (IP) infrastructure. Based on these findings, the targeted interventions are proposed: (1) capacity-building initiatives for researchers and legal professionals, (2) policy reforms to streamline IP governance, and (3) stronger linkages between universities, industries, and government agencies. The study contributes to innovation policy literature by empirically mapping challenges in a developing economy’s patent system and offering actionable solutions. If implemented, these measures could enhance Bangladesh’s innovation capacity, reduce import dependency, and align its IP framework with sustainable development goals.