WIPO to offer Executive Program for Technology Managers

Geneva, February 23, 2007
PR/2007/477

Technology managers, researchers and scientists seeking to deepen their understanding of intellectual property can, from today, sign up for a new program offered by the Worldwide Academy of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on Innovation, Technology and Intellectual Property Management.  Details of the course, which will be held at WIPO’s Geneva headquarters from April 16 to 19, 2007, are available at: https://www.wipo.int/academy/en/execed/siipm/gva_apr_07

Creativity and innovation are key to commercial survival and profitability in a rapidly evolving, complex and competitive business environment.  Technology plays a pivotal role in the development, manufacture and delivery of novel products and services to the market and effective management of innovation and strategic use of intellectual property are key to technology leadership. 

The four-day intensive course is designed to promote better understanding of strategic use of the intellectual property system to fuel innovation, and maximize return on investment in research and development (R&D).  Thought leaders from top business schools and the corporate world will reveal unique insights and share practical experiences.  Intellectual property aspects of innovation and technology management will be covered through lectures, case studies, best practices and group discussions.  Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and apply the principles and practices of innovation, technology and IP management to their own business environment.  The program covers the essentials of product design and development, technology assessment and forecasting.

Speakers include:

• Walter Herbst, Professor, Kellogg School of Management, Chicago
• Arian Duijvestijin, Senior Vice President, Philips, Eindhoven
• Robert Pitkethly, University Lecturer, Said Business School, Oxford University
• Stephen M. Sammut, Senior Fellow, Wharton School Health care Systems, Philadelphia
• Francis Gurry, Deputy Director General, WIPO, Geneva
• Ernesto Rubio, Assistant Director General, WIPO, Geneva

The program content includes:

• Creating an Innovation Culture
• Strategic Management of Innovation
• Strategic R&D Management
• Essentials of Product Design and Development
• Good Design Practice
• Management of Technology
• Managing Intellectual Property (IP)
• Strategic Use of Evolving IP Regime
• Strategic use of WIPO’s global IP protection and dispute resolution systems
• IP strategy in global corporations and SMEs