168. Australia is pleased to introduce the discussion on intellectual property and innovation at this meeting, guided by the discussion paper IP/C/W/642 Intellectual Property and Innovation: The Societal Value of IP in the New Economy - IP Improving Lives. Australia is pleased to co-sponsor this agenda item with the European Union, Hong Kong China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei and the United States. Our discussion today is designed to highlight the role of intellectual property frameworks and how they support innovation through promoting and protecting the expression of new ideas and inventions, fostering creativity, supporting crossborder collaboration, trade and participation in global value chains. In supporting and incentivising innovation, intellectual property frameworks make a significant contribution to improving lives through social and economic growth and advancement across a wide range of sectors, relevant to developed and developing Members such as education and training, creative works, health, the environment and transport. As part of the 2018 theme under the Intellectual Property and Innovation agenda, the Societal Value of Intellectual Property in the New Economy, Members are invited today to share national and regional experiences on the positive human impact of intellectual property and innovation frameworks and how they improve lives.
169. Turning now to the case of Australia, Australia's intellectual property rules-based framework has played a role in changing the everyday lives of people worldwide through innovations that transcend national borders. We will showcase a number of innovative examples of how intellectual property frameworks have protected new ideas and contributed to improving the lives of people in Australia and around the globe.
170. Turning to the example of Reach and Match, the award-winning innovation – The Reach and Match Learning Kit is an innovative educational kit designed by an Australian woman that empowers children with disabilities and people in main-stream education to learn to together in an inclusive environment. The Reach and Match Learning Kit includes braille and print forms for both visually impaired and sighted children to develop literacy as well as cognitive motor, social and communication skills. It uses a tactile texture with braille markings, bright colours and distinct sounds to enhance the learning experience of all children. Reach and Match has trademark protection, it has won several awards, including one for social inclusion and innovation design. It was also one of the winners at the MIKTA Education and Emergencies Challenge and the inventor will receive a share of AU$2million from the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to help develop and implement the product.
171. The second example is called the Yield. It was designed by an Australian entrepreneur, Ms Ros Harvey, which uses innovative technology and the internet of things to develop agri-business, improve productivity and reduce waste. Ros Harvey's invention, known as The Yield is designed to help deliver food from farm to table. The Yield helps growers take the guess work out of growing, with sensors, apps and data to monitor and predict conditions on the ground so farmers can make faster and better decisions about their crops. The Yield actively uses the IP system, including trademark protection to support the business. Innovation and the ability of IP protection encourages the creation of inventions like these, which can improve everyday lives. We invite all Members to share their views on how intellectual property and innovation has improved lives.
