The
2025 WIPO-ARIPO Regional Meeting for Technology and Innovation Support Centers
(TISCs) commenced today at the ARIPO Secretariat in Harare. The event is a
collaborative effort between the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO) and ARIPO, with support from the Japan Patent Office (JPO) funds in
trust.
During
the opening ceremony, participants were addressed by Mr. Hiroyuki Kumagai,
Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe, who represented the
JPO, Mr. Elangi Ituku Botoy, Industrial Property Information Officer, TISC
Development Section, represented Mr. Daren Tang, the Director General of WIPO.
The host, ARIPO, was represented by its Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze.
In
his opening remarks, Mr. Twebaze highlighted the critical role of accessible
technological information in Africa's journey towards a knowledge-based
economy. "As Africa aspires and indeed moves towards a knowledge-based
status, the availability of technological information is crucial for that
transition," he stated. He emphasized the growing digital divide and the
imperative to bridge it. "Access to technological information is becoming
increasingly important, but there is also a growing digital divide between
those with access to the information and those without it. This must change.
New technologies could be transformative for sustainable development and
evidence-based decision-making, as they offer better solutions that are also
more affordable and more scalable."
Echoing
this sentiment, Mr. Kumagai stressed the importance of international
collaboration and knowledge sharing. "…successful cases from TISC networks
in regions other than ARIPO will be presented. I believe that sharing best
practices across regions will help strengthen the TISC network in the ARIPO
region," he remarked, underscoring the JPO's commitment to supporting
intellectual property development in the region.
The
two-day workshop brings together representatives from ARIPO Member and Observer
states, providing a platform for participants to discuss progress, exchange
experiences, discuss challenges, and strategize on strengthening their national
TISC networks. The meeting aims to foster an integrated innovation ecosystem
across the continent, leveraging TISCs as vital hubs for accessing patent and
non-patent information, thus facilitating innovation, technology transfer, and
economic growth.
The
TISC program, supported by WIPO and JPO since 2018, aims to help innovators in
developing countries access locally tailored, high-quality technology
information and related services. This enables them to exploit their innovative
potential and create, protect, and manage their intellectual property rights.
This annual regional meeting significantly contributes to the enhancement of
these centers within the ARIPO Member States, paving the way for a more
innovative and technologically empowered Africa.