264. As a co-sponsor of the document IP/C/W/642 – IP and Innovation: IP improving lives", Korea is pleased to share with the TRIPS Council its views as well as experiences with regard to this agenda item. In my intervention, I would like to briefly present some of the important innovations that have significantly impacted people's lives - and then provide an overview of Korea's efforts to support the development of IP in other developing countries
265. As is well-known, an effective IP system plays a crucial role in enhancing our daily reality by incentivizing innovation and technological development. There are countless examples of inventions in the history of humankind that have brought significant improvements in human lives. To give a few examples, the telephone, which was, as you know, invented by Alexander Graham Bell, has brought a revolutionary change in communication. Cars brought great advances in transportation. The milestone patent, for a "vehicle powered by a gas engine" was filed in 1886 by Benz. Benz went on to develop and patent other automotive components and this invention resulted in dramatic improvements in people's lives; people were no longer bound to one place and this meant greater flexibilities in the choice of living and working places. The semiconductor is another key example of an invention the benefits of which were far-reaching and widely felt. In 1958, Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments patented the first prototype integrated circuit Indeed, the semiconductor ushered in a revolution in technology. If it were not for the semiconductor, we wouldn't have computers, the internet, televisions and in fact most electronic devices - and it is hard to even imagine a world without these.
266. Korea is one of few countries that have succeeded in achieving economic growth in a relatively short period of time - and we believe that it was possible to achieve such a rapid economic development mainly due to intensive efforts to innovate, which have been anchored in a strong and effective IP system. Korea's experience serves to demonstrate that there is a positive correlation between effective IP and innovation, growth and indeed a better quality of life.
267. And yet, we do not believe that a strong IP system in itself automatically brings about innovation and economic growth. Other elements such as technical capability are also crucial factors. As such, Korea is working with other developing countries to support efforts to innovate and enhance our daily lives through appropriate technology (AT). The goal of appropriate technology is to promote a better quality of life in the developing world without condescension, complication or environmental damage. In AT inventions there is a special focus on the social and cultural impact on a particular community that they are intended for. We are carrying out various AT development projects in countries in need of assistance mainly with a view to improving the quality of life for low-income households. For example, a crop dryer and solar charge controller was developed for Makerere University in Uganda. The drying technology in agriculture is expected to improve the quality of feed and contribute to the income of local farmers. A coconut oil expeller was developed in Sri Lanka with the aim of addressing issues regarding the quality of coconut oil. Furthermore, relevant technology research centres have been established in both countries to promote the sustainability of such technologies.
268. Korea will continue to work with WTO Members with a view to improving lives through the further development of an effective IP system and promotion of technological innovation.
