Oleksiy Shevchuk: Lack of proper accounting of intellectual property hinders the development of the defense sector
The lack of a systematic accounting of intellectual property (IP) owned by state defense enterprises is one of the key reasons for slowing down the development of the defense industry and Ukraine’s technological sovereignty. This was stated by Oleksiy Shevchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA), to Interfax-Ukraine.
According to him, a significant part of the intellectual assets created by state-owned enterprises over the decades do not have digital copies, a full inventory, or proper legal status.
“In many cases, we have a complete lack of systematic accounting. This creates serious risks for the state and significantly complicates international cooperation and investment attraction,” Shevchuk emphasized.
He noted that the problem is deeply rooted in the post-Soviet legacy, the lack of standardized registration of rights, lost technical documents, and complicated tax procedures that arise when intellectual assets are registered.
“In the current conditions of war, this is no longer a technical nuance – it is a matter of national security,” emphasized the head of the UNLA.
Digitalization and inventory are the first step to regaining control
According to the UNLA, the priority should be the complete digitalization of intellectual property in the defense sector. This means digitizing all technological developments – drawings, technical descriptions, software, engineering documentation, etc.
“Only digitalization will ensure transparent and secure accounting, legal certainty, and the possibility of further use of technology in production, international cooperation, and investment,” Shevchuk said.
UNLA’s position
The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association calls on government agencies, specialized departments and defense companies to launch a comprehensive audit and digitalization of intangible assets.
“Without systematic accounting, it is impossible to modernize defense enterprises and ensure that unique technologies created over decades are not lost. The UNLA is ready to join the development of solutions and regulatory changes necessary to launch this process at the state level,” Shevchuk summarized.
