Discussion on the Role of IP in Supporting Innovation Ecosystems
July 21, 2022
WIPO in partnership with the French Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) organized the experience sharing session on the Role of IP in Supporting Innovation Ecosystems on July 19th, 2022 on the sidelines of the 63rd series of the WIPO General Assemblies.
Speakers of the session shared success stories of collaboration of IP Offices and innovation centers and discussed how to help start-ups get the full benefit from their intellectual property and connect globally.
In his opening remarks, Director General of INPI, M. Pascal Faure, emphasized the strong link between industrial property and innovation and stressed the role of IP as a driver for growth and competitiveness. He encouraged businesses to take advantage of using this amazing tool for growth. Mr. Faure also stressed the importance for IP Offices (IPOs) in being close to businesses and innovation ecosystems and building stronger partnerships.
Mr. Gregoire Martinez, Head of Strategic Projects and Communications, Station F, presented an excellent success story of collaboration with INPI France and the Station F, one of the biggest startup campus in the world. The presentation was complemented by Ms. Julie Zerbib, Head of partnership actions division at INPI France, who focused on INPI’s work with start-ups in the use of IP services and tools.
Ms. Nadja Maria da Silva Oliveira Brito, Technical Director, Technological Park of Paraiba, Brazil, Ms. Meerim Ormusheva, Director of Kyrgyz Innovation Center, Ms. Nawal Chraibi, Director General, Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research and Mr. Daniel Friedman, Legal Officer in the Israeli National Technological Innovation authority shared success stories in advancing innovation ecosystem in their respective countries. In doing so, they focused on IP strategies and showcased different initiatives in creating strong infrastructures and interconnecting ecosystems.
Speakers also highlighted the R&D funding schemes, different means of using patents to valorize the R&D projects, as well as mentoring and incubation programs. They also stressed the important role of IP offices in supporting such ecosystems, while presenting several successful models of cooperation.
Mr. Eric Rustayisire, CEO of the Charis UAS, Drone company in Rwanda, described how the company leveraged its IP, kept it ahead of the competition and helped to secure investments. Mr. Rustayisire advised his peers that from the get-go they need to design the growth of their company around the constant creation of IP.
Mr. Matus Medvec, President of the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic and Mr. Rowel S. Barba, Head of the IP Office of The Philippines (IPOPHL) shared their respective country experiences with the start-up ecosystem, the governmental initiatives and the basic steps needed to enable start-ups to unlock the IP potential and accelerate economic growth.
Mr. Guy Pessach, Director, IP and Business Division presented WIPO initiatives for start-ups to leverage their IP successfully. He elaborated on specific tools and services developed in WIPO to promote effective use of IP by startups and to connect to innovation ecosystems.