The Regional Training Seminar on Institutional IP Policies for ASEAN TISCs and TTOs took place in Siem Reap, Cambodia on February 25 and 26, 2025. The event was co-organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia, with support from Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan).
(Photo by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia)
The Seminar was part of the WIPO ASEAN Project on Institutional IP Policies, a collaborative effort between WIPO, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat and ASEAN Member States. It builds the ASEAN Institutional IP Policy Model and aims to equip institutions with effective IP management frameworks that support innovation and technology transfer.
The event brought together ASEAN Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to discuss the key components of effective institutional IP policies and their impact on fostering innovation and economic growth.
Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems Through Institutional IP Policies
In his opening address, H.E. Suon Vichea, Director of DIP, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia, underscored the critical role of institutional IP Policies, TISCs, and TTOs in building a robust innovation ecosystem:
“Clear and effective policies not only protect inventors and creators but also drive research, development, and the commercialization of new technologies. Furthermore, Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) play a key role in connecting research institutions, businesses, and the public sector. By aligning policies, we can improve knowledge transfer, strengthen public-private partnerships, and boost IP commercialization. Our goal is to foster an environment where innovation flourishes and benefits society as a whole”.
Sharing regional and international expertise on institutional IP policies
The Seminar explored essential aspects of institutional IP policies, including:
- IP ownership and management
- conflicts of interest and ethical considerations
- incentives for researchers and technology transfer professionals
- standard operating procedures for technology commercialization
- best practices for aligning institutional IP policies with institutional research and academic goals.
Regional experts and WIPO professionals provided valuable insights, sharing real-world experiences and case studies to help institutions navigate the complexities of IP policy development and implementation.
(Photo by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia)
Participants also learned from other institutions currently participating in the WIPO Institutional IP Policy Mentoring Program. These institutions shared their experiences in developing and adapting institutional IP policies, discussing:
- Their progress in policy formulation and implementation
- Challenges faced and solutions identified
- Lessons learned along the way.
Practical, hands-on approach to learning
The seminar adopted an interactive and hands-on learning approach, engaging participants through:
- Group discussions to exchange perspectives and challenges
- Case study analyses to explore real-world applications of IP policies
- Interactive exercises and IP ownership negotiations to reinforce new knowledge and skills
(Photo by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia)
“This seminar was a great opportunity to learn, share experiences, and connect with experts and peers working to strengthen IP frameworks in ASEAN.” – Participant