In my role as President Elect of the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), and primarily as a result of interest in the upcoming LESI Global Technology Impact Forum and related Invent for Humanity™ Technology Transfer Exchange Fair, I was invited to join the Intellectual Property Global Action Council for the World Economic Forum. To date, we have had two virtual working sessions in preparation for two days of meetings October 10 and 11, 2012, in Abu Dhabi.
The WEF Global Agenda Council for Intellectual Property (IP) is focused on five work streams, two of which are directly related to the work being done by LESI:
Stream 1: The Future of the Intellectual Property System
Stream 2: IP and Creative Content
Stream 3: IP for the Poor and Marginalized
Stream 4: IP Policy to support Growth and Development
Stream 5: Transparency in the IP System: Mapping and Accessing Knowledge
As part of Stream 3, I have proposed that the Council assess and recommend improvements to the LESI-proposed Invent for Humanity model to incentivize patent holders and creators of appropriate technology to address humanitarian problems.
In connection with Stream 4, I have encouraged Council members to attend and contribute to the upcoming LESI Global Technology Impact Forum. This program will study global IP valuation standards, emerging IP markets and the transfer of technology and related IP to developing and lesser developed countries.
My work with WEF has greatly expanded my understanding of the critical role intellectual property as a tool for economic development plays on a global basis — from the largest economies to those that are just emerging.
I am excited about the upcoming meetings and my first visit to the Mid East. I will report back on the determined goals of our Council and insights I gain from participation.