FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2001
Contact: Brad Huther
202/544-6610
bhuther@iipi.org
Institute Preparing to Host International Conference on Role of Technology Transfer in Economic Development
Washington, DC –
The International Intellectual Property Institute (IIPI) is pleased to announce its upcoming International Conference on Technology Transfer for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises. On April 4-6, 2001 more than 50 guests and participants will gather at the George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC for an in-depth examination of how technology transfer can assist developing countries in facilitating economic growth.
Sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN-agency assigned to intellectual property issues, the conference will deal with issues surrounding the transference of public sector-sponsored research into viable commercial products. The conference will thus focus on technology transfer as a tool for economic growth. Speakers at the conference include representatives from leading academic institutions, federally-funded laboratories, multilateral development agencies, think-tanks, associations and the private sector.
Day 1, Thursday, April 4, will focus on the US experience, including legislation, infrastructure and existing programs that facilitate technology transfer. There will also be a component about the role and value of technology transfer in economic development. Technology transfer experiences in Latin America will also be examined.
Day 2 will highlight the experience of countries in other regions of the world. The final day of the event consists of a site visit to Human Genome Sciences, Inc., (HGS) a prominent biotechnology firm located in Rockville, MD. HGS has agreed to give a tour of their new facility and host a luncheon. HGS is an excellent example of how technology transfer functions in practice.
It is expected that the conference will result in a greater understanding regarding the importance of technology transfer in economic development. Due emphasis will be given to the need for cooperation between universities, governments and the private sector in developing countries and international multilateral organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, IMF and WIPO, and the role each plays in promoting development through efficient use of knowledge-based resources.
To view a copy of the conference agenda, please click here. Parties interested in attending should contact Stetson Sanders.
IIPI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving intellectual property systems around the world, thereby fostering global creativity and serving as a catalyst for world economic growth.