Intellectual property and technology transfer enthusiasts gathered in Mankweng

22 November 2023 Hits: 1

Intellectual property and technology transfer enthusiasts gathered in Mankweng

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The 2023 World Intellectual Property Office-South Africa (WIPO-SA) Summer School on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer is currently under way at the University of Limpopo's Mankweng (Turfloop) campus.

Participants from 13 African countries have joined the two-week course, which has moderators and speakers from a wide network that includes small and medium enterprise incubators, private law firms, public officials, higher education institutions, industry, the Technology Innovation Agency, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and international organisations such as the Southern African Development Community.

Speaking during the opening on 20 November, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Limpopo, Prof. Richard Madadzhe, said that he felt encouraged to see students taking part in the workshop.

"We are so grateful that the country, the continent and the world at large will be in good hands," said Madadzhe. "You cannot go wrong when you have educated and knowledgeable young people."

Clara Mkandawire of Malawi's National Commission for Science and Technology said that her country was behind in terms of research commercialisation, but had seen a gradual increase in the number of patents applications during 2023.

"I am attending this course to see what other countries are doing in terms of intellectual property and technology transfer and how we can adapt," said Mkhandawire.

Another participant, Nana Dadzie of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, said that he was trying to learn more about intellectual property from the training and other participants, and would take the lessons back to his country.

Through the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), the Department of Science and Innovation has been hosting the annual WIPO-SA summer school in collaboration with various stakeholders since 2008. The Head of NIPMO, Jetane Charsley, said the goal was to provide a deeper understanding of intellectual property and its role in fostering innovation, creativity, international collaboration and economic development. She told the participants that they would play a vital role in shaping the future of their communities, villages and countries.

"This course is more than just an introduction to intellectual property; it is a tailored experience designed to equip you with comprehensive insights on various facets of intellectual property and technology transfer. As entrepreneurs, researchers, up and coming lawyers and citizens, you need to navigate a landscape that demands a diverse skills set and a profound understanding of complex local and international issues. This workshop will allow you not only to gain a global perspective, but also to create a network of people that you will rely on for the rest of your life," she said.

A BCom Business Management student at the University of Limpopo, Mahlogonolo Mongwe, hopes that the workshop will enable her to help an entrepreneur friend to protect her intellectual property.

"My friend has been wondering how to go about protecting her business, so when I saw the advertisement for this course, I promised her that I would attend and share the knowledge with her. I am also interested in gaining a deeper understanding of intellectual property," Mongwe explained.

The summer school ends on 1 December 2023, with participants receiving certificates. There will also be a competition for high schools, with learners from Phalatlou, Sephuthi and Mbilwi Secondary Schools and Honoka Combined School pitching innovative products and services.

Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation

Building 53, CSIR Campus

Meiring Naudé Road

Brummeria

Pretoria

For more information contact Julian Leshilo-Sebake at 060 961 2194.

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