Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative: Social Innovation Despite Intellectual Property

Abstract This article aims to understand how the intellectual property (IP) and open innovation policies of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) are implemented, assessing the role played by IP in the productive development partnerships promoted by the initiative. The research employs a qualitative methodology with an empirical approach, using document analysis. By analyzing sources, such as clauses in the DNDi’s Research and Development partnership model contracts, it is possible to infer that the initiative’s institutional model offers a middle ground between adopting exclusive legislation and offering no protection at all. At the same time, this study demonstrates that the rationale behind DNDi’s continued use of IP remains unclear. Furthermore, the research illustrates that DNDi’s open innovation collaborations align it more closely with an institutional-reciprocal welfare model associated with social innovation.