The Politics of Knowledge Economy and Sustainability of Tribal Knowledge and Health in India

Abstract

With globalization, developing countries have been adopting the model of knowledge economy with its flagship features standardized patents and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This model is supposed to deliver growth and equity through standardized patents and through market corrections of asymmetrical power between the corporations and general public via CSR. However, under this model, distributional equity has been declining. Instead of knowledge increasing and creating more equity, the traditional health-knowledge of tribal people (mostly poor) in India is being denuded along with innovation. This has been due to bio-piracy by multinational corporations. In addition, insensitive state policies that focus on growth policies at the expense of equity have exacerbated the situation. Under such circumstances, the health situation of tribal people is becoming dire. The authors argue that land redistribution and customized Intellectual Property rights (IPR) for communities as a whole may be the way forward provided there is political will.