Virtual Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: A Critical Look at the Advantages and Limitations

October 2, 2024

What are the main advantages and limitations of virtual technical assistance? How to optimize the effectiveness of virtual technical assistance in regions with limited digital infrastructure? These and many more questions were addressed during our webinar on September 12, 2024, where insights were shared from national and international perspectives.

On September 12, 2024, a webinar titled “Virtual Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: A Critical Look at the Advantages and Limitations” took place as part of WIPO’s ongoing webinar series on technical assistance. Moderated by Mr. Georges Ghandour, Senior Counsellor of the WIPO’s Development Agenda Coordination Division, the event gathered more than 250 participants from over 90 countries. Mr. Ghandour emphasized WIPO’s commitment to offering technical assistance and capacity-building support to its Member States, highlighting the Organization's mission of transforming Intellectual Property (IP) into a catalyst for global social, economic, and cultural progress.

The Webinar started with the presentation of Mr. Habip Asan, Director of WIPO’s Division for Transition and Developed Countries, who presented the WIPO Medium-Term Strategic Plan (2022-2026) with examples of the Division’s delivery of virtual technical assistance. He emphasized the tools used to deliver virtual technical assistance effectively, such as learning management systems, web conferencing tools, and interactive modules, amongst others. Mr. Asan also discussed the advantages, limitations, and lessons learned from WIPO’s virtual technical assistance projects, sharing specific examples that highlighted, both successes and challenges, in the implementation.

Mr. Tempa Tshering, Chief IP Officer in Bhutan’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, followed with a presentation on Bhutan’s experience with WIPO's virtual assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Tshering highlighted the benefits of improved accessibility, reduced costs, and enhanced connections with global experts.  He also pointed out challenges faced along the way, such as limited digital infrastructure, lower levels of engagement, and reduced networking opportunities.

Afterward, Dr. McLean Sibanda, Managing Director of Bigen Global Limited in Mauritius, addressed the challenges of virtual solutions for capacity development in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on regions with poor connectivity and high Internet costs. Mr. Sibanda stressed the importance of a hybrid approach that blends the cost-effectiveness of virtual solutions with essential face-to-face interactions to enhance the overall impact of WIPO’s technical assistance programs.

The Webinar continued with the presentation of Ms. Salome Tsimakuridze from the National IP Center of Georgia -Sakpatenti-, who provided an overview of Georgia’s successful collaboration with WIPO to advance the country’s IP framework. She shared success stories from the COVID-19 pandemic period. Ms. Tsimakuridze highlighted the significance of WIPO as a key collaborator in strengthening Georgia’s IP ecosystem and supporting the country’s development.

Moving on, the Webinar featured the presentation of Ms. Natalia Semeria Ruschel, IP Coordinator in Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade. Ms. Semeria Ruschel stressed WIPO’s virtual technical assistance and capacity-building efforts in Brazil and shared successes in IP mentorship programs and workshops for judges and innovation agents. Ms. Semeria Ruschel also elaborated on the challenges addressed in virtual settings, such as limited digital infrastructure and difficulties in fostering open discussions and engagement. She advocated for a hybrid approach.

Finally, the Webinar concluded with a presentation delivered by Mr. Emil-Eugen Iuga, Capacity and Skills Development Officer at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).  Mr. Iuga shared strategies from the ITU Academy for delivering high-quality, impactful virtual learning programs. He emphasized the importance of tailoring learning experiences to meet diverse needs and ensuring active stakeholder participation.

In summary, the experts’ presentations focused on the following:

• In terms of virtual technical assistance, it is essential to adopt flexible and hybrid approaches, and face-to-face engagement in certain areas, utilizing existing online sources more proficiently and implementing different methodologies for best practices;
• Virtual Technical Assistance provides benefits, such as accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and global connectivity, but also addresses challenges like digital infrastructure limitations and reduced opportunities for networking;
• To be most effective, virtual technical assistance should be tailored to specific local needs, driven by demand, and focused on sustainable development; and
• Virtual Technical Assistance is a critical tool for promoting development beyond meeting immediate needs in all areas, by establishing sustainable infrastructure and programs for capacity enhancement.

The event is part of an ongoing series organized by WIPO, following a decision by the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP).

The full session is available in English, French, and Spanish via the WIPO webcast. The series will continue with future sessions focused on WIPO’s technical assistance initiatives.

Stay tuned!