Regulations for indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) must drive business and not drive away business. In most countries adequate regulations do not exist to promote IKS-based innovations to be brought to market that provide more than one avenues to do so, said Dr D B Anantha Narayana, chairman of Herbs and Herbal Products Committee, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).

“This is where governments in the developing world need to create transparent, science based; logical and basic regulatory frameworks that not only permits, but promotes innovations from IKS-based leads to be converted into a viable and profitable product, said Dr Narayana. He was invited by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of South Africa to deliver a key note address at the International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems at Gauteng province, South Africa recently.

“Most often, the only route available is to bring IKS based innovations as drugs, which is expensive, tough and time consuming. Regulations that would permit bringing them as foods, food supplements or even cosmetics or separate category like phyto-pharmaceuticals need to be notified that concentrate on ensuring quality and safety and a demonstration of efficacy in innovative ways. Such regulations for phyto-pharmaceuticals as drugs or Ayurveda based supplements are under active consideration in India. Governments need to create an environment to promote these products, bring regulatory reforms needed for the same and make funds that help incubate innovations, through innovative schemes. Regulations should also promote cross broader exchange of safe technologies and processes without trade barriers in the interest of patients and consumers,” Dr Narayana.

“Innovation arises out of obviousness, or serendipity, or at times from out of the box thinking. Common sense and great observational skills are needed for innovations. Education builds domain knowledge and competencies, but not necessarily skills. So innovators need courage and conviction in their skills because what is seen and done has helped convert innovations into successful entrepreneurship,” he said while highlighting on the use of technology for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Present generation seemingly has more innovators and entrepreneurs. Therefore, governments need to review the development of skills and not just look at domain knowledge. “Skills development needs new technologies and this is where information technology (IT) has made it possible to document knowledge. Now IKS has demonstrated innovations and entrepreneurship. Most of them are either been handed down orally to generations and the documented approaches can help in drug discovery.

There are efforts globally to mainstream indigenous knowledge systems and its processes and products. However, challenges are posed by scientists insisting on   data and proof. This is where regulations for IKS must drive business and not drive away entrepreneurs, said Dr Narayana.