South African dtic Hosts Colloquium on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialisation

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) of South Africa is set to host a pivotal colloquium focusing on intellectual property (IP) and technology commercialisation. Scheduled for Wednesday at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, the event carries the theme: "Driving Innovation and Positioning Intellectual Property Commercialisation for a Better and Inclusive South Africa."

Minister of the dtic, Parks Tau, emphasized that the colloquium will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences aimed at addressing the challenges that impede successful technology commercialisation. He highlighted the importance of identifying and implementing measures to overcome these obstacles.

The dtic is partnering with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) to organise the session, which will concentrate on raising awareness and deepening understanding of intellectual property, technology management, and the commercialisation process. Discussions will include the advancement of new technologies, their influence on the IP landscape, and the commercialisation of innovations.

A key focus will be on strategies to innovate, scale, and commercialise more effectively during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Tau noted that stakeholders within the National System of Innovation will share insights on overcoming barriers to commercialisation, improving access to venture capital funding, enhancing knowledge of equity structures, and establishing effective market channels.

The colloquium will feature a diverse group of international and local experts, including commercialisation specialists, IP merchant banks, venture capitalists, incubators, and fund finders. Their participation aims to provide comprehensive perspectives on the IP and technology commercialisation ecosystem.

In a significant move to cultivate future innovators, the event will also engage high school and tertiary students through interactive sessions. These sessions are designed to introduce learners to the journey of intellectual property and technology development, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. Minister Tau expressed that this initiative seeks to prepare a generation attuned to the skills demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), encouraging them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

Topics slated for discussion include technology development and commercialisation, the role of intellectual property in the successful commercialisation of products and services, and understanding IP rights in the context of technology transfer and economic growth.

Additionally, the colloquium will host exhibition stands where innovators can display their products and services. This exhibition will also highlight government support mechanisms available to innovators through various funding instruments.