COVID-19 and Its Impact(s) on Innovation

Abstract

In previous work, we explored how certain characteristics of adversity are often more conducive to innovation than others. In this Article, prepared as part of the Lee E. Teitelbaum Utah Law Review Symposium—The Law & Ethics of Medical Research, we review some of that work and apply it specifically to the COVID-19 context. We conclude by assessing certain policy implications in light of how the COVID-19 pandemic has both spurred and hindered innovation.

Keywords: COVID-19, Innovation, Adversity, Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Patents, Research, Bayh-Dole

JEL Classification: I18