WIPO ADG Natsume Emphasizes the Impact of Frontier Technology at Boao Forum for Asia Conference

July 24, 2023

On July 20, 2023, the 2nd Innovation and Intellectual Property Protection Conference (IIPPC) of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) was held in Guangzhou. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Assistant Director General, Mr. Kenichiro Natsume, delivered a keynote speech on IP and Frontier Technology via a pre-recorded video, while Ms. Liu Hua, Director of the WIPO Office in China (WOC), attended and addressed the event.

Mr. Natsume highlighted that cutting-edge innovation technologies like Artificial Intelligence, the metaverse, and the Internet of Things are driving continuous economic and social transformation, profoundly impacting every aspect of our lives. According to WIPO data, digital-related innovation has seen a growth rate 170% faster than all other patent categories in the past five years, underscoring the increasing importance of the intellectual property (IP) system as a key driver of development and growth. However, he also pointed out that these new technologies add complexity to IP rights, prompting WIPO to establish clear plans for future work in the field of IP and Frontier Technologies, providing practical tools and projects for member countries and innovators. The WIPO Conversation, now in its fourth year, has solidified WIPO's position as the primary global forum for discussing emerging issues surrounding frontier technologies and IP, bringing together member states, IP offices, enterprises, IP professionals, and civil society.

In her address, Ms. Liu commended WIPO's Medium-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) 2022-2026 for its achievements in China. The plan's pillars, focusing on explaining the potential of intellectual property, partnership, providing high-quality IP services, and making IP as powerful policy tools have significantly elevated China's international standing. As an extension of WIPO in China, the WOC remains committed to collaborating closely with all relevant Chinese stakeholders and will continue supporting Chinese users, particularly those from the Greater Bay Area, in leveraging WIPO's global IP services.

At the Conference, Ms. Liu Hua engaged in discussions with participating enterprises and industry representatives, emphasizing the role of intellectual property in driving high-quality development for Chinese enterprises.

About the 2nd Innovation and Intellectual Property Protection Conference of Boao Forum for Asia 

The 2nd Innovation and Intellectual Property Protection Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, centered around the theme "Stimulating Innovative Vitality and Promoting High-Quality Development," was a significant gathering that included 1 plenary session, 4 subforums, and other special activities. The event welcomed approximately 300 participants, comprising government officials, experts, scholars, and business representatives. Distinguished guests from both China and abroad graced the conference, including notable figures such as Mr. Edmund Ho Hau-wah, Vice Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Mr. Li Baodong, Secretary General of BFA; Mr. Leong Vai Tac, Member of the Council of Advisors of BFA and Chairman of BFA Macao Committee for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development; and several other high-ranking officials from various intellectual property and copyright departments.