Measuring the Impact of Geographical Indications: An Empirical and Law-and-Economics Approach

Abstract
Geographical Indications (GIs) have gained prominence as tools for protecting traditional knowledge, enhancing market value, and promoting regional development. However, the effectiveness of GIs in achieving these objectives remains insufficiently examined through rigorous empirical and law-and-economics frameworks. This paper seeks to bridge this gap by critically analyzing the methodologies used in assessing the economic and social impact of GIs, with particular emphasis on field-based approaches, mixed-method impact studies, and existing evidence gaps.
The study explores field-based methodologies, including ethnographic research, stakeholder interviews, and on-ground surveys, to capture the lived experiences of producers and communities engaged in GI-tagged products. While these approaches provide rich contextual insights, they often lack scalability and standardization. To address this limitation, the paper advocates for mixed-method impact studies that integrate qualitative findings with quantitative data such as income levels, price premiums, and market access indicators. Such an approach enables a more comprehensive evaluation of GI outcomes within a law-and-economics framework, balancing legal protection with measurable economic efficiency.
Further, the paper identifies significant evidence gaps in current GI assessment practices, including the absence of longitudinal data, limited focus on distributional impacts, and inadequate evaluation of non-economic benefits such as cultural preservation and community identity. By highlighting these gaps, the study underscores the need for more robust, interdisciplinary research designs that can inform policy and improve the governance of GI systems.
The paper concludes that while GIs hold substantial potential for economic development, their true impact can only be understood through systematic empirical analysis combined with economic reasoning. Strengthening research methodologies in this field is essential for ensuring that GI regimes are both effective and equitable.

Keywords
Geographical Indications, Empirical Research, Law and Economics, Field-Based Methodologies, Mixed-Method Studies, Impact Assessment, Evidence Gaps, Policy Analysis