Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems
It is widely recognized that innovation will be required to address the pressing challenges facing societies today. Success is more likely when all available talent and experience can be leveraged. A wide range of actors must be able to participate in innovation ecosystems. Intellectual property rights help to make this happen. IP rights such as patents allow technology and know-how to be shared and traded. They enable innovators without a significant in-house R&D capacity to access and use technology, and to integrate that technology into their value chains. Innovators of all types and sizes benefit from access to these business tools. Certain innovators – such as SMEs and minority inventors – will require support to secure protection for and effectively manage their IP. Innovation Council supports initiatives to broaden participation in innovation ecosystems.
Invent Together Initiative
A newly launched initiative in the United States – “Invent Together” – is an effort by universities, companies, organizations, and other stakeholders to collect data about the diversity gaps in invention and patenting, and to support public policy and other initiatives to close them. In particular, Invent Together aims to close the patent gaps for women, people of color, and low-income individuals. In doing so, the initiative aims to help close wage and wealth gaps, strengthen the U.S. economy, and develop new and different inventions. A focus of Invent Together is increasing the availability of data and research about the patent gaps.
EPO Case Studies about Innovative SMEs
Innovative SMEs are important drivers of economic growth, job creation, and innovation in every country. These case studies from the EPO demonstrate how European SMEs, across sectors and countries, leverage IP rights for growth. It also highlights the challenges they face in securing, enforcing, and effectively managing their IP rights.
WIPO’s “Women in Green” Interviews
Earlier this year, WIPO launched a new interview series – “Women in Green” – that highlights the experiences and impact of female green entrepreneurs. This interesting series features innovators from different regions, representing different types of eco-friendly solutions. The public can nominate female innovators for future interviews. This is a great way to draw attention to achievements of women on the front line of innovation.