Knowledge is repeatedly framed through a market-oriented lens. Owango asks, “What contribution does indigenous knowledge contribute to research, innovation, and commercialization?” rather than posing questions about community ownership or non-market values. The initiative openly promotes the link between indigenous knowledge and intellectual property, stating: “We want to support commercialization and the patents that come out of it.” This perspective reduces cultural heritage to an economic asset, aligning with a commodification logic rather than resisting it.
