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In a recent address at the 2024 Gawad Yamang Isip Awards Night, hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), emphasis was placed on the vital role of intellectual property (IP) in driving forward the innovative pursuits of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual.
Secretary Pascual underscored the significance of IP protection in fostering the growth of MSMEs and their contributions to both the economy and society at large. He highlighted the pivotal role of registered IPs in positioning MSMEs as leaders in pioneering sustainable products and technologies, attracting investments, and expanding into new markets. He stressed the importance of safeguarding IP rights, as it not only strengthens market presence but also enhances company valuations.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), leveraging initiatives such as the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project, has played a pivotal role in empowering MSMEs. This project is strategically crafted to enhance the productivity and operational efficiency of small enterprises by facilitating their access to cutting-edge technology.
DTI’s cornerstone initiative provides access to machinery, equipment, and technical expertise, thereby enabling them to transform their IPs into commercially viable products. These provisions are intended to be utilised by MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs within a shared framework, fostering collaborative innovation and growth within the sector.
Moreover, enforcement efforts led by the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), chaired by IPOPHL, have been instrumental in enhancing IP rights protection nationwide. To further bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the DTI has launched initiatives such as the Global Acceleration Programme and the Startup Venture Fund.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish the National Innovation Gateway, which will house state-of-the-art facilities aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, including the Center for AI Research, the Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory, and startup incubation and acceleration centres.
In alignment with the national economic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, Secretary Pascual reiterated the centrality of innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transforming the country into a Smart and Innovative Philippines by 2032.
The Gawad Yamang Isip Awards Night, themed “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity,” celebrated individuals, organisations, and institutions that have made noteworthy contributions to promoting creativity and innovation through IP.
OpenGov Asia reported that during the virtual flag-raising ceremony of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the crucial role of intellectual property (IP) in driving innovation and shaping national trajectories.
Secretary Solidum said that IP goes beyond mere protection of ideas; it acts as a catalyst for leveraging creativity to address global challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He urged the celebration of National IP Month not only to safeguard ideas but also to utilise them for positive change, linking intellectual property to societal betterment.
The observance prompts reflection on IP’s impact on sustainable development, with Director-General Rowel S. Barba of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) describing this year’s celebration under the theme “IP and SDGs” as both “bitter-sweet” and an urgent call to action.
Amid challenges like climate change and economic inequalities, IP’s integration into corporate social responsibility initiatives and business models is crucial. IPOPHL’s commitment to advancing SDGs is evident through tailored programmes, fostering environmentally sustainable innovations. National IP Month holds significance for Filipinos, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation and contributing to the global IP landscape.
As the Philippines aligns its national economic agendas and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the transformative power of creativity and innovation in shaping a smarter, more sustainable future rests significantly on intellectual property rights.
