Abstract

This paper contains a short theoretical introduction to "copyleft" and "open source" as instruments that - by making a body of original material and ideas publicly available under reciprocity conditions - can prove the most appropriated to promote innovation in the sectors producing digital goods. After a discussion of the analytical importance of "copyleft" and "open source" in the study of innovation processes, an alternative use to those based on patents and strong intellectual property protection in general is suggested. For this purpose, in the concluding part of the article it is outlined, in terms of goals, fields and tools of action, a detailed proposal for an innovation policy in the digital good sectors based on the implementation of "open source" procedures.