WIPO China: High School Students Explore Unlimited Potential of Innovation at WIPO Office in China

February 5, 2024

On January 25, 2024, sixteen students from the High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University, brimming with curiosity and creativity, visited the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Office in China. This excursion allowed them to explore the vast potential of innovation in shaping the future. Ms. Liu Hua, Director of WIPO Office in China, shared her valuable insights on the role of innovation in future developments, emphasizing WIPO's mission as a United Nations agency dedicated to the construction of international intellectual property ecosystem that enables innovation and creativity through IP for everyone, everywhere.

Ms. Liu Hua highlighted the immense value of global intangible assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, surpassing $74 trillion. She stressed the importance of a balanced, effective, dynamic, and future-oriented global IP ecosystem. She also introduced the 'five golden keys' offered by WIPO, which include policy coordination, registration systems, databases, cooperation platforms, and capacity building. These tools are instrumental in empowering individuals and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and nations.

During her presentation, Ms. Liu Hua elaborated on two major innovative waves identified in WIPO's 2022 Global Innovation Index: the Digital Innovation Wave, rooted in supercomputing, AI, and automation, and the Deep Science Wave, based on biotechnology, nanotechnology, new materials, and other scientific breakthroughs. These waves are significantly reshaping the way we work, live, and play, underscoring the need for students to adapt their learning attitudes and future career preparations.

The event included an interactive session where students eagerly engaged in discussions about IP, innovation, and their visions for the future of technology. Ms. Liu Hua addressed their queries about WIPO's structure, future professional choices, and personal skill development.

For students in the new digital era, Ms. Liu Hua recommended that the students:

• Stay Informed: Regularly update themselves on emerging technologies and IP trends.
• Cultivate Creativity: Engage in activities that foster innovation and creative thinking.
• Develop Technical Skills: Acquire knowledge in areas like AI, biotechnology, and data science.
• Understand IP Rights: Learn about intellectual property laws and their applications.
• Explore Interdisciplinary Studies: Combine technology with other fields such as business, law, or arts.
• Participate in Innovation Projects: Join or initiate projects that solve real-world problems.
• Build a Global Perspective: Understand how innovation and IP rights impact and are influenced by global dynamics.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: Continuously update their skills and knowledge to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The visit concluded with a photo session and a tour of the office area, giving students an intimate glimpse into the workings of an international organization in China. This visit not only enhanced their understanding of intellectual property protection but also ignited their enthusiasm for technological innovation.