The private sector must continue to play a vital role in technological development, particularly in developing and adapting basic inventions for actual application. For example, developing-country Governments and firms could be allowed to adapt technology but begin paying royalties only when its use has begun to yield commercial returns. Where exclusive private-sector rights of use to vital technology are a hindrance to the development of other needed technology or to widespread use, the technology regime must have a mechanism (such as exists in certain areas of public health) for granting a “compulsory licence” that places said technology in the public domain.