406.  Let me begin by thanking the United States for its submission IP/C/W/699. Switzerland is pleased to co-sponsor this communication as well as this item. We would also like to thank the Members, who have just shared their national experiences. 407.  Aware of the global nature of modern research and competition, Switzerland is committed to international cooperation. Researchers benefit from global resources and expertise through access to international infrastructures, programmes, and services. This fosters the expansion of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions. Consequently, international collaboration is a key element in Swiss research policy.²⁶ 408.  One of the prerequisites for successful international collaboration is the ability to manage the increased level of coordination. In addition, participants need a certain degree of cultural and scientific openness in order to get the most out of different backgrounds and approaches. 409.  So how is Switzerland promoting international projects? 410.  To foster collaboration, Switzerland is member in cooperation programmes. The programmes span a wide range of activities, from collaborations between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and market-oriented programmes, to programmes for fundamental research.²⁷ 411.  Let me give you three examples of international collaboration in research:  First: Switzerland is part of the programme Eurostars. This promotes cooperation of Swiss and international SMEs. More than 30 countries take part in this programme. It is aimed at innovative SMEs that develop products and services that are significantly different from existing ones.²⁸  Secondly: Joint Research Projects are collaboration between the Swiss National Science Foundation and funding agencies in various countries on four continents. These projects, lasting between three to four years, allow Swiss researchers to work alongside their counterparts in partner countries to explore specific research questions. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, more than 100 Joint Research Projects were funded, highlighting the commitment to international research collaboration.²⁹  Thirdly: The international research infrastructures, in the form of laboratories or observatories, provide tools that are fundamental for carrying out scientific activities in numerous fields. A notable example is CERN, the world's largest particle physics research laboratory, which is located on the border between Switzerland and France.³⁰ o CERN provides state-of-the-art facilities for scientists to conduct fundamental physics research at the frontiers of knowledge to understand matter, the Universe and its evolution. With twenty-three Member States and contributions from other countries, CERN stands as a prime example of international collaboration that pushes the boundaries of science and technology for the benefit of all. o CERN upholds the principles of open science and also acknowledges that IP allows them to claim credit for novel technologies and be recognized when products or services stemming from their contributions reach society at large. 412.  How is the Swiss IP Office fostering research collaboration across borders? - The Swiss IP Office actively supports projects that improve the framework conditions for research and innovation. For instance, it collaborates closely with universities, technology transfer offices, and small and medium enterprises. These partnerships focus on crucial areas such as project management, training, and technical expertise. Through these collaborations, the Swiss IP Office aims to foster an environment that improves the framework conditions for research and innovation. 413.  Moreover, the Swiss IP Office occasionally provides support for studies. For instance, as part of the SECO funded Swiss-Ghanaian Intellectual Property Project, the Swiss IP Office carried out a study exploring the economic contributions of the copyright and related rights-based industries in Ghana. 414.  Researchers used to be students. Therefore, the Swiss IP Office is involved in IP lectures at various institutions. These lectures are mainly held at institutions with a large number of international students. For example, the Swiss IP Office participates in programmes at the summer school for students at the World Trade Institute and at other Swiss universities. 415.  International collaboration in research presents significant benefits for society, researchers, and institutions involved. But to increase the incentive for international collaboration, it is important that the results of the research receive adequate IP protection. This will allow the parties to receive royalties or licence fees for their work or to increase their market share as a result of the research. 416.  To conclude, allow me to mention the successful research collaboration between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Zurich (ETH) and the Università degli Studi di Milano resulted in the recyclable anti corrosion coating for metals with self-healing properties. The costs caused by metal corrosion are estimated at up to 4% of global gross domestic product. Unfortunately, the products currently on the market cannot prevent corrosion if the coating is defective, and they are not recyclable. However, the coating developed by ETH and the Italian university can effectively protect the metal surfaces from corrosion, its self-healing and recyclable. This important invention was patented in 2022 and received the ETH Spark Award³¹ in 2023.³²