184. The United States is pleased to co-sponsor this agenda item and contribute to the discussion of "Public-Private Collaborations in Innovation - Research and Development (R&D)."
185. The United States would like to thank the co-sponsors for this item.
186. Before providing the United States' experience with public-private collaborations in innovation, I would like to take a step back and summarize what we discussed last year under the theme - "The Societal Value of IP in the New Economy".
187. First, under the sub-theme - "IP Intensive Industries and their Economic Impact on Society" - a number of WTO Members provided empirical data from reports and case studies showing how intellectual property rights (IPRs) contribute to employment, gross domestic product (GDP), licensing revenue and trade. The discussions covered a broad range of IP-intensive industries, wherein the contributing Members offered examples of government resources available to support the IP-intensive sector generally, and, more specifically, new and emerging businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Members also identified ongoing and future studies to help improve their respective innovation landscapes, export strategies and IP policies.
188. Second, under the sub-theme - "IP and Improving Lives" - Members shared stories of how innovators and creators, including in partnership with governments, have used IP to address global challenges. Examples included healthcare products to provide faster diagnosis and better treatments; digital solutions to reform healthcare services; agricultural technology to help farmers significantly increase yields; and technology development projects either applied or developed in countries for which assistance is most needed, to name a few. Another key discussion point was the need to improve the awareness of, and accessibility to, IP systems to help a wider range of people harness the power of IP.
189. Third, under the sub-theme - "Intellectual Property and New Business" - Members stressed the importance of creating an IP environment in which SMEs and starts-ups can thrive by using the benefits afforded by trade secret, patent, trademark and copyright protections. Noting the significant impact SMEs and start-ups have on their economies, Members expressed the need to increase IP awareness and provide IP counselling at the early stages of business development and innovation.
