Pretoria: Intellectual property and technology commercialisation will be the central themes at an upcoming colloquium hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The event, scheduled for Wednesday, will operate under the theme: “Driving Innovation and Positioning Intellectual Property Commercialisation for a Better and Inclusive South Africa”.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister of the dtic, Parks Tau, stated that the session aims to provide a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences on overcoming challenges in technology commercialisation. The colloquium, organized in partnership with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), will focus on enhancing awareness and understanding of intellectual property (IP), technology management, and the commercialisation process.
The discussions will address the advancement of new technologies and their impact on the IP landscape and the commercialisation of these innovations. Additionally, the session will explore strategies for more effective innovation, scaling, and commercialisation during and after a pandemic.
Minister Tau highlighted that stakeholders in the National System of Innovation will exchange ideas on overcoming challenges in intellectual property and technology commercialisation. Key focus areas include addressing barriers to successful commercialisation, improving access to venture capital funding, enhancing knowledge of equity structures, and creating effective market channels.
The colloquium will feature international and local expert speakers, including commercialisation specialists, IP Merchant Banks, venture capitalists, incubators, and fund finders. High school and tertiary students will also participate to instil an interest in IP, engaging in an interactive session to explore the journey of IP and technology development.
The topics on the agenda include technology development and commercialisation, the role of intellectual property in the successful commercialisation of products and services, and understanding IP rights in technology transfer and economic growth. Innovators will have the opportunity to display their products and services at exhibition stands, showcasing government support through various funding instruments.
The colloquium will commence at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria from 9 am.