451.  Allow me first to congratulate you and to wish you every success. 452.  The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) would like to thank the co-sponsors for preparing document IP/C/W/699 and for bringing to the attention of this Council the role of intellectual property in research collaboration across borders. 453.  WIPO has identified the increasing importance of collaboration in enabling innovation to flourish. Our 2019 World Intellectual Property Report on "The Geography of Innovation: Local Hotspots, Global Networks" looked at this in detail. Analysis of relevant data including patent information highlights that research collaboration is widespread and these innovation links are increasingly cross-border in nature. 454.  Effective management of intellectual property is one element that can ensure crossborder collaborations and deliver concrete results with real-world impact. While success also relies on conditions beyond the IP framework including active intermediaries, sustainable financing and human capital, IP is a crucial component to be considered in cross-border collaboration. A balanced IP system with well-established conditions allows for efficient use of the IP system to promote innovation. WIPO stands ready to provide the technical assistance that can support the identification of IP assets and the appropriate management of the associated IP rights. In particular, WIPO provides relevant support including through: a. Regional and country projects such as our work with the Baltic States to create a Technology Transfer Office Network and the associated Cooperation Agreement and foster academic collaboration among the three countries and provide an input to their economies. We are also helping to develop a similar network in Africa and to support the adoption of common principles for IP valuation in ASEAN countries. b. The WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) programme to develop national, regional and virtual networks and the promotion through these networks of an exchange of knowledge and technologies. c. Public-private partnership programmes to facilitate access to knowledge. The Access to Research for Development and Innovation (ARDI) programme, provides access to scientific and technical journals and the Access to Specialized Patent Information (ASPI) programme, allows access to commercial patent databases comprising more sophisticated search and analysis tools for retrieving and assessing relevant technology. 455.  The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center also plays an essential role in the collaboration ecosystem by providing dispute resolution advice and case administration services to help parties resolve disputes arising in the area of research and development (R&D). Around 15% of the WIPO Center's cases relate to R&D and technology transfer with most of these cases being international in scope. The Arbitration and Mediation Center website provides a number of relevant case examples. 456.  The WIPO Center collaborates with relevant stakeholders and organizations in the development of Model R&D Agreements including WIPO Mediation and WIPO Expedited Arbitration clauses, and regularly administers cases submitted under such clauses. 457.  Also, as part of the WIPO COVID-19 Response Package, the WIPO Center has launched in 2022 new ADR options to facilitate contract negotiation and dispute management in long-term life sciences licensing agreements and R&D collaborations. 458.  Further information on these initiatives can be found on the WIPO website. We remain available to support Members in the management of IP in cross-border research.