Rethinking Intellectual Property for Sustainability in OAPI Member States: Exploring Linear and Nonlinear Relationships

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research on the contribution of intellectual property to sustainability has begun to emerge in Africa; however, the relationship between these variables remains unclear. This article investigates both the linear and non‐linear effects of intellectual property on sustainable development in the member countries of the OAPI. The analysis is based on data from 14 countries spanning the period from 2007 to 2018. We use panel data techniques, specifically Pooled OLS, Fixed Effects, Random Effects, Generalized Least Squares (GLS), Quantile Regression, and Two‐stage Least Squares. The results show that intellectual property plays a significant but heterogeneous role in sustainable development in Africa. Trademarks emerge as the main driver, positively influencing human capital and income while generating mixed environmental effects through higher CO 2 emissions but lower material footprint. Quantile regressions reveal stronger effects of trademarks at higher development levels, whereas patents are more influential at early stages and decline over time, and trade names lose effectiveness in advanced economies. Evidence confirms an inverted U‐shaped, nonlinear relationship between IP and sustainability. Mediation results highlight energy consumption, urbanization, and political stability as key transmission channels. The results suggest a context‐specific intellectual property regime: flexible in early‐stage economies and more protective in advanced ones. They also highlight the need to integrate environmental concerns, particularly through green innovation, energy efficiency, and stronger political stability to support sustainable development.