WIPO Seminar on Appropriate Technology. The Nelson Mandela

Transcription

1 The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology WIPO Seminar on Appropriate The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) August 11-12, 2016 Implementation Report By Dr. Eliamani Laltaika Intellectual Property Coordinator NM-AIST 1

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Official Opening by HE Ambassador Mero Presentations Mr. Kifle Shenkoru Prof. Mohamed Sharif Dr. Georges Shemdoe Prof. Maurice Bourquin Prof. Karoli Njau and Dr. Eliamani Laltaika General Discussions of the Way forward Acknowledgemet...12 Appendix 1. Welcoming Remarks by the Vice Chancellor...13 Appendix 2. List of Participants...15 Appendix 3. Programme

3 1. Introduction The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the UN Agency responsible for promoting innovation and creativity through among other means, granting/registration of intellectual property rights. Through its Department for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) the WIPO conducts capacity building workshops to member countries aimed streamlining development issues with IP as well as catalyzing innovation and creativity. This brief report is on one of such capacity building seminars that took place at the NM-AIST August 11 and 12, The seminar brought together both teaching and non teaching staff of the NM-AIST, selected members of the Tanzania Law Society (the premier bar association of Tanzania mainland) Arusha Regional Chapter, Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Stakeholders, members of the Tanzania Police Force and representatives of other higher learning institutions in Arusha. Presenters in the seminar included the legendary Prof. Mohamed Sharif of Putra University in Malaysia, former President of the University of Geneva Prof. Maurice Bourquin, Director of WIPO Mr. Kifle Shenkoru and Tanzania s expert in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer issues Dr. Georges Shemdoe. Courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor s Office 3

4 2. Official Opening by HE Ambassador Mero The Seminar was preceded by an official opening ceremony graced by His Excellency Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. HE Mero used the opportunity to talk to members of the NM-AIST and Tanzanians in general on a number of issues pertaining to creativity, innovation, competitiveness and protection of intellectual property rights. In his opening speech, HE Mero emphasized on the following Innovation as the engine of economic growth and importance of protecting intellectual property rights HE Amb. Mero informed members of the NM-AIST that innovation at all levels continues to be the engine and driving force for economic growth worldwide. He explained that complexities of innovation and the value attached to intangible assets have made intellectual property rights more valuable that the physical goods they represent or produced by their respective companies. HE Mero further informed the meeting that for a long time, academics in the South have not benefited from their research due to lack of awareness of intellectual property rights. HE Amb. Mero challenged the NM-AIST to take the lead in creating awareness on IPRs to other institutions of higher learning in Tanzania and regionally. He explained that in his capacity as Tanzania s ambassador to UN organizations in Geneva, he has entered into MoU s with a number of such organizations for assisting Tanzania to realize its developmental aspirations. Business as usual as an enemy of progress HE Amb. Mero used the occasion to speak to Tanzanians in general against complacency and business as usual in their work places. HE Amb. Mero told Professors to go beyond publishing papers and leave them in the shelves without practical value to the community. 4

5 HE Amb. Mero challenges the NM-AIST to lay down strategies to ensure the knowledge produced in the university actually reaches the community and the market in form of its products, processes and patents. The future of nuclear technology HE Amb. Mero was of the opinion that economic competitiveness is by and large dependent on energy security. He explained that the fast growing economy of Tanzania requires sufficient electricity and that Nuclear energy should be seen as an opportunity for future growth. HE Amb. Mero challenged the NM-AIST to start offering degrees in Nuclear Science and Engineering to ensure the country positions itself to benefit from the abundance of uranium in its territory. HE Ambassador Mero addressing members of the NM-AIST and other stakeholders 5

6 Presentations The seminar attracted highly knowledgeable and respected presenters and each one of them challenged members of the NM-AIST and participants of the seminar in general to go beyond the ordinary. Herein below are highlights of the presentations that gave rise to deliberations and recommendations discussed in number 4 bellow Mr. Kifle Shenkoru The presenter introduced the WIPO and its role in promoting innovation and creativity through protection of intellectual property rights. Mr. Shenkoru explained that Tanzania is a member of the WIPO and has been on the front line in issues championed by WIPO including implementation of the WIPO development agenda through establishment of technology transfer centers. Mr. Kifle Shenkoru The presenters challenged members of the NM-AIST to take advantage of online courses offered by the WIPO Academy to learn more about IP protection. He explained that it is becoming a prerequisite for awardees of WIPO scholarships to have had WIPO courses. 6

7 3.2 Prof. Mohamed Sharif In his several presentations the presenter emphasized on the importance of innovation and investment in R&D for economic growth. Citing Ghana and Malaysia as examples, the presenter informed participants that Malaysia obtained palm tree seedlings from Ghana in the early 1960 s but now Malaysia world leader in oil palm and rubber related materials. The reason he gave are investment in R&D and protection of IPRs by Universities and other government organs. Prof. Mohamed Sharif The presenter challenged members of the NM-AIST to learn from experiences of Putra University in laying down clear policies for encouraging innovation among students and staff. He further challenged seminar participants to make use of patent information freely available on the internet for enhancing their research and innovation Dr. Georges Shemdoe The presenter made two presentations the first on implementation of the WIPO development Agenda in Tanzania and the second cooperation between universities and public/private sector for technological capacity building in Tanzania. 7

8 Dr. Georges Shemdoe The presenter challenges the NM-AIST to enhance cooperation with the private sector in solving societal problems through research and technology transfer Prof. Maurice Bourquin Citing examples from his previous engagements as President of the University of Geneva and Chair of the European Nuclear Energy Research Center, the presenter spoke on cooperation between universities, research institutions and international organizations for transfer of technology. The presenter challenged members of the NM-AIST to be proactive in cooperating with institutions in Europe and other parts of the world on emerging areas of research in science and technology. Specifically, the presenter challenged NM-AIST management to inquire from Dr. Pierre WILLA, Director of International Relations Office of the University of Geneva possible areas of cooperation in teaching and research. 8

9 3.5. Prof. Karoli Njau and Dr. Eliamani Laltaika Earlier on after the official opening, two presentations were made by members of the NM-AIST namely Prof. Karoli Njau Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Innovation (DVC-ARI) and Dr. Eliamani Laltaika Intellectual Property Coordinator. On his part, Prof. Njau informed workshop participants that the NM-AIST is positioned to train the next generation of African technoprenures, industry captains and cutting edge scientists to take Africa to the next level. Prof. Karoli Njau (left) and Dr. Laltaika (right) The Coordinator of Intellectual Property Dr. Eliamani Laltaika provided a historical backdrop to the relationship between WIPO and the NM-AIST. He explained that that the WIPO had hired a consultant from South Africa Prof. Julian Kinderlerer to assist the NM-AIST develop Masters and PhD curriculum in Intellectual Property and Technology Management (IP-TM). The presenter also informed seminar participants that the WIPO has selected the NM-AIST to host the forthcoming WIPO-SIDA follow up training and Advisory Programme on IPRs in the Global Economy for LDCs Nov. 13th to 18th

10 4. General Discussions of the Way forward The last segment of the two days seminar was a general discussion on the way forward for technological capacity building in the use of appropriate technology as a solution for identified development challenges in Tanzania. The following points were raised and deliberated upon. The importance of and access to patent information: seminar participants realized that patent information offers a valuable source of data and insights on all areas of technology. It was proposed that NM-AIST students be taught how to access patent information (patent search) as a part of their research methodology training. Use of patents for promotion criteria: learning from Putra University where obtaining a patent is equated to publishing a paper in a peer reviewed journal, participants proposed that the NM-AIST revises its promotion criteria to encourage creativity and innovation. WIPO online courses on IP: participants agreed to increase their knowledge on IP issues in general by exploring the online courses discussed earlier on in the seminar. Group photo of participants shortly before the end of the seminar 10

11 5. Concluding Remarks As highlighted by the Acting Vice Chancellor in his welcoming remarks, this two days seminar on appropriate technology has been one of the most relevant trainings conducted at the institution for a long time. The seminar was an eye opener to participants and each one of them was challenged to think more, do more and be more. During the Seminar a number of challenges were raised including the following. NM-AIST to take the lead in creating awareness on IPRs to other institutions of higher learning in Tanzania and regionally. NM-AIST to lay down strategies to ensure the knowledge produced in the university actually reaches the community and the market in the form of products processes and patents. NM-AIST to start offering degrees in Nuclear Science and Engineering NM-AIST to take advantage of online courses offered by the WIPO NM-AIST to learn from experiences of Putra University in laying down clear policies for encouraging innovation among students and staff. NM-AIST to enhance cooperation with the private sector There is a Kiswahili saying that goes Mgeni aje, mwenyeji apone which can be translated: When a visitor comes, he brings relief to those he visits. In addition to the above challenges HE Amb. Mero also promised to continue supporting the NM-AIST by soliciting assistance from other partners to enable the NM-AIST meet its objectives. The ambassador invited the NM- IST to provide him with a comprehensive needs assessment for capacity building in such areas as Nuclear Energy. The Seminar has also been a warm up exercise for the NM-AIST to host the forthcoming WIPO-SIDA follow up training and Advisory Programme on IPRs in the Global Economy for LDCs Nov. 13th to 18th

12 5. Acknowledgemet This seminar would not have been possible without cooperation between the government of Tanzania and the World Intellectual Property Organization. To this end, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the NM-AIST wishes to thank HE Amb. Jonathan Mero, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Director General of WIPO Francis Gurry, Kifle Shenkoru, Director Division of Least Developed Countries of WIPO and NM-AIST staff who worked tirelessly to organize the seminar. 12

13 Appendix 1. Welcoming Remarks by the Vice Chancellor Welcoming Remarks by the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Osmund Kaunde Prof. Osmond Kaunde Ag. VC of NM-AIST 1. Your Excellency Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Mr. Kifle Shenkoru, Director, Division for Least Developed Countries, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Our distinguished speakers Dr. Mohamed Shariff Bin Mohamed Din and Dr. Georges Shemdoe, Fellow Members of the NM-AIST, staff and students, Invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning! 2. It is with great honor and pleasure that I take this opportunity to welcome you all to Arusha and to the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology. As some of you are aware, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) was established in 2009 under the Tanzania s University Act, It is one in a network of Pan-African Institutes of Science and Technology located across the continent. 3. The African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST) concept was conceived by the former South African President Nelson Mandela as a mechanism to develop the next generation of African scientists, engineers and technologists, who will impact on the continent s development through the application of science, engineering and technology (SET). 13

14 4. The NM-AIST aims to become a research-one institution and this is reflected in the objectives of the University as well as the vision and mission as stated in the Institution charter. 5. To achieve in Science, Engineering and Technology, different researches into different scientific disciplines have to be done extensively to generate the knowledge base and justification for every endeavor in technology transfer. 6. The WIPO Seminar on appropriate technology fits in very well with our mission, vision and strategic direction. It is in this regard that I thank the WIPO, Amb. Modest Jonathan Mero and the government of Tanzania in general for this privilege. There is no doubt that my predecessor Prof. Burton Mwamila, founding Vice Chancellor of the NM-AIST worked very hard to ensure that this seminar becomes a success. I thank him too along with other NM-AIST staff. 7. I know some of you may want to hear more about the NM-AIST and how we have managed to become one of the leading higher learning institutions in the continent. My colleagues Prof. Karoli Njau Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Research and Innovation (DVC-ARI) and Dr. Eliamani Laltaika Intellectual Property Rights Coordinator will, later on in the programme, enlighten us more on institutional aspects of the NM-AIST and the current status of IPRs respectively. 8. With these few remarks, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to invite his Excellency Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva to come and give a key note address and officially open our seminar. Prof. Osmond Kaunde Ag. Vice Chancellor The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology NM-AIST 11. August

15 Appendix 2. List of Participants WIPO Seminar on Appropriate Technology with the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology 11 th and 12 th August 2016 List of Participants 1. Emmanuel Munishi 2. Jackson Ally 3. Peter R. Mashingo 4. Clara Molay 5. Firmin Nguma 6. Regina Shirima 7. David Elias 8. William Ernest 9. Arnold G. Laizer 10. Gabriel C. Malima 11. Anilinda Augustino 12. Lotaanywaki E. Memiri 13. Naziel Eliakimu 14. Julius M. Lenguyana 15. Gloriana J. Monko 16. Mahene Wilson Leonidas 17. Anthony Kazikold 18. Dr. Emanuel Mpolya 19. Dr. Neema Kassim 20. Emanuel Kisongo John 21. Jumanne M. Mkwama 22. Ally Said Babu 23. Suzan Joseph Kessy 24. Beatrice Marandu 25. Dr. Eliamani Isaya Laltaika 26. Dr. Sameer Hamier 27. Richard Kipuyo 28. Dr. Ahmad Hussein Kipacha 29. Grite Nelson 30. Dr. Shubi Kaijage 31. Monika Kayesu 32. Ibrahim Fanuel 33. Emanuel S. Mollel 15

16 Appendix 3. Programme E GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA THE NELSON MANDELA AFRICAN INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NM-AIST) NATIONAL MEETING WIPO/LDCS/ARK/16/INF/1 PROV. ORIGINAL: ENGLISH DATE: JULY 21, 2016 Meeting on Appropriate Technology: Access to Scientific and Technical Information for Technological Capacity Building: Meeting with the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, August 11 and 12,

17 PROVISIONAL PROGRAM prepared by the International Bureau of WIPO Thursday, August 11, Registration Opening Ceremony Welcome addresses by: The representative of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam His Excellency Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva The representative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva Theme 1 WIPO: An Introduction Mr. Kifle Shenkoru, Director, Division for Least Developed Countries, WIPO Coffee Break Theme 2 The Use of Appropriate Technology for Addressing Development and Technology Related Needs and Challenges (i) (ii) Technology and Development: Why Technology is Important for Development? Why Appropriate Technology for Development? Professor Burton Mwamila, Vice Chancellor, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania Discussions Lunch Break Theme 3 The Intellectual Property Institutions and Systems in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Mr. Kifle Shenkoru 17

18 Discussions Coffee Break Theme 4 The Implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda Project on Appropriate Technology in Tanzania: Report on Need Identification and Analysis Dr. George Silas Shemdoe, Principal Research Officer, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Dar es Salaam Discussions Theme 5 Co-operation Between the Universities and Public/Private Sectors for Technological Capacity Building in Tanzania Dr. George Silas Shemdoe Discussions Theme 6 Using Intellectual Property for Economic Growth and Development (i) The role of industrial property with emphasis on patent information for national technological capacity building Dr. Mohamed Shariff Bin Mohamed Din, Advisor on Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Transfer, Putra Science Park, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Selangor, Malaysia Discussions Friday, August 12, Theme 6 (Cont d) Using Intellectual Property for Economic Growth and Development (ii) Access to and use of patent information for transfer of technology Dr. Mohamed Shariff Bin Mohamed Din Discussions 18

19 Coffee Break Theme 7 Why Intellectual Property is so Important for the Technological Development of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (i) The experience of Malaysia on the use of patent information for technological capacity building Dr. Mohamed Shariff Bin Mohamed Din Discussions Theme 7 (Cont d) Why Intellectual Property is so Important for the Technological Development of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (ii) The experience of Malaysia on the transfer, development and adaptation of technology Dr. Mohamed Shariff Bin Mohamed Din Discussions Lunch Break Theme 8 Cooperation Between Universities, Research Institutions and International Organizations for Transfer of Technology Professor Maurice Bourquin, Former President of the University of Geneva, Geneva Discussions Theme 9 The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and WIPO Cooperation for Transfer of Technology for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Professor Maurice Bourquin Discussions Coffee Break Theme 10 General Discussions on the Way Forward for Technological Capacity-Building in the Use of 19

20 Appropriate Technology-Specific Technical and Scientific Information as a Solution for Identified Development Challenges in Tanzania Moderator: WIPO Conclusions and Recommendations Discussions [End of document] 20