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WIPO Development Sector attaches high importance to innovation and technological capacity building of LDCs. More attention is given to support LDCs in their effort to strengthen national innovation institutions and technological capacity building. For LDCs,
the approach is to strengthen capacity and building knowledge base for development.
In LDCs invention, innovation and creativity can be used as a tool to combat poverty because of the contribution they can make for economic growth and sustainable development. Building technical and scientific skills contributes towards the application of scientific and technical knowledge to overcome social and economic challenges. The Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) adopted during the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (UN LDC IV), highlighted the need for greater cooperation at national, regional and international level to afford LDCs with enhanced capacity in science, technology and innovation in particular skills development for the use of productive capacity building through the application of science and technology for economic growth and development.
In IPoA, LDCs development partners, UN system organizations and the LDCs themselves affirmed their resolve to forge partnerships on science and technology for building the knowledge-base and its application in LDCs for purposes of development.
To make the above commitment operational, it is important to seize upon the expertise, know-how and resources afforded by innovative collaboration between UN system organizations. The process needs to be inclusive but tailored to the priority needs of individual LDC. In the area of innovation and technological capacity building, WIPO’s collaboration with regional economic commissions such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) can facilitate regional endeavors for cooperation through the participation of LDCs representatives from government, business and indus |