IPEG Chair Mr Stephen Selby, and fellow delegates,
Welcome and reflection on IPEG’s linkage to APEC goals
It is IPOS’ privilege to be able to welcome all of you to Singapore for the second time in 2009 for the IPEG meeting - we are indeed happy to be able to host the IPEG not just once, but twice in 2009. I would like to take a few moments to reflect on Singapore’s attempts to contribute to the APEC process this year, from the IPEG perspective.
We know that on a very broad level, a key goal of APEC is to encourage regional economic integration by reducing barriers to trade across borders
At the working level, what then, does intellectual property have to do with this broad goal? How does what we do at IPEG meet this goal ?
Some underlying principles
I believe 2 underlying ideas may point to an answer :
(a) Firstly, that IP builds strong and robust businesses, and strong businesses build strong economies which will have the increased ability to trade cross borders.
(b) Secondly, that IP must be open and available to all. As a tool to facilitate business, it cannot be utilized by and for big business only. This is especially since Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for around 90 percent of all businesses in our region and employ as much as 60 percent of its work force .
We’re of the view that these 2 ideas give meaning to the IP portion of the Osaka Action Agenda. One of the objectives therein is that we will dialogue on emerging IP policy issues, in order to use IP systems for the social and economic benefit of members. In addition, we are to collectively promote (amongst others) IP Asset Management and raise IP awareness .
Thus, as we dialogue about IP policies, promote IP management and awareness, we hope our ideas, when implemented, will develop robust businesses at all levels, and boost regional trade.
Friends, Singapore hopes that the activities of IPEG in 2009 will facilitate this and the overall APEC goal. We believe that awareness and education on IP is a key pillar of any strong IP regime. Strengthening this pillar will spur efforts to improve the other 2 key pillars of such a regime : a robust system to administer IP rights, and good compliance of such rights.
Theme for IPEG 2009
In this regard, the theme we have chosen for IPEG’s capacity building events revolves around “IP commercialization”. It underscores the need for IP to be a business tool, open for all to utilize. But clearly, one needs to have certain knowledge and skills to utilize and manage IP to one’s advantage. IP is of little utility to one who owns it, if he does not know how to capitalize on its potential or protect it. Thus the topic for the IPEG seminar in February – “From Mind to Market : The Highs and Lows of Technology Transfer”.
Technology Transfer seminar : some take-aways
This is a topic which we have heard about at the fringes of IP debates. It seemed right that we explore this subject a bit more and find out what it had to do with IP.
What resulted was a seminar that brought together a multi-disciplinary slate of speakers – people other than lawyers and IP policy makers; rather people involved in cutting-edge science and engineering at institutions of higher learning, and who are part of the innovation cycle for goods and services.
As host economy, we have already prepared and circulated a list of observations arising from the seminar discussions for information. We hope that these observations can be shared with colleagues and other agencies in your economy, as you seek to leverage IPR to encourage technology transfer amongst your industries. I would just like to share 3 thoughts which I personally took away from the seminar :
(i) Engaging industry : As IP policy makers, we do not work in a vacuum. We must consider forming strong linkages with stakeholders who are part of the innovation cycle, so that we are able to share, and accurately calibrate the message of IP to suit unique domestic needs. We heard about how universities need to collaborate with industry players to tap on each other’s key competencies for successful product development. Is there some way that we can tap into the APEC network of universities and lend our voice and expertise from the IP perspective ?
(ii) Managing complexity : Technology transfer is a multi-faced, multi-disciplinary issue. The road from mind to market is not straightforward, and all good ideas risk falling by the wayside. Inventors must be adept at dealing with marketing, funding, business relationship building, technical support and other issues, to successfully bring an idea to the market. Can 21st century IP offices carve out an intermediary role or new business function to facilitate solutions to these issues ?
(iii) Different strokes : We’ve had the privilege of hearing from a variety of public, and private sector individuals from various economies on how they face the challenges of tech transfer. There are different models out there for economies to consider, and mix and match according to the unique domestic context. In this regard, we would like to thank the US who collaborated with us to develop this programme. Our appreciation also goes to Australia, Hong Kong,China and Thailand who recommended speakers who were able to share from their economy’s perspective. Our grateful thanks to our colleagues from these economies and to the speakers they sponsored or recommended.
Trading Ideas 2009 : What to expect
The utilization and management of IP will continue to be at the centre of our discussions as we participate in Trading Ideas 2009 on Thursday and Friday. We are in an unprecedented economic crisis, where cost cutting, streamlining operations and saving jobs may take priority over innovation and value creation.
Notwithstanding the possible bottoming out of the crisis, this remains a challenging period for IP owners, with the impact of the financial turmoil raising questions on how IP is managed, protected and valued, and the priority to be accorded as an asset. It is timely that Trading Ideas 2009 will reflect on these issues. Also at the policy level, we hope to discuss how IP fits into today’s volatile marketplace, and how the public sector should utilize IP to influence the shape of businesses, and develop robust business environments.
At a more practical and working level, we hope to also discuss global developments in patents, trade marks and copyright which impact businesses. Other sessions will explore strategies and business models in broad-based industries which will enable businesses to leverage on their IP to remain viable during this difficult period. For businesses higher up the value chain, they will have the chance to reflect on IP securitization, and the relevance of IP services in helping them to manage their assets in these hard times.
In short, we have designed a programme that has something for everyone, especially IP policy makers, the businessmen with IP to manage, and IP professionals. What remains is for delegates to participate actively by sharing your thoughts so that we can have a robust debate on practical IP topics/issues which will impact business strategies/practices and IP policies over the next few years. Our moderators will prompt thinking on various positions taken by speakers, and encourage a diversity of views so that we can look at an issue from all angles.
In this spirit of friendly discussion, I’m sure we will also be able to send the message of the importance of IP management, so that businesses can leverage on innovation to keep their businesses afloat and position themselves for the next economic upturn.
Concluding remarks
Last but not least, our social events also aim to help delegates to network with each other and the international list of speakers who have agreed to share their views. In this regard, I’d like to thank Hong Kong,China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam and the United States for co-sponsoring this project – speakers and moderators have been kindly nominated or sent by some of these economies. I wish to especially thank Australia, organizer of the original Trading Ideas Symposium two and a half years ago, for allowing us to use the TI brand name, for giving us many helpful suggestions on the organization for this event, and sending speakers and moderators.
It leaves me now to wish all of you a meaningful learning journey in Singapore over the next few days. May you also stay good health and have pleasant opportunities to get to know our small island state better.
Thank you.