ASPIRE Learning Exchange: Intellectual Property as a catalyst for prosperity.

adminuvg • 04/03/2023 • CIT, CIT Top, Impacto, Innovación y Emprendimiento, Nosotros, UVG Institucional

On Thursday, February 9, the Achieving Sustainable Partnerships for Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE) Project, held its first Learning Exchange of 2023. Juan Pablo Alfaro, CEO of Titón Ideas, discussed the critical role that intellectual property IP) plays in strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and its benefits to the nation as a whole.

During his presentation, Mr. Alfaro cited a U.S. Chamber of Commerce study that reported countries with more robust intellectual property environments demonstrated stronger economic performance. “Intellectual Property is a catalyst for the economic prosperity of nations, it improves competitiveness and investment,” he added. Mr. Alfaro reported that countries with advanced IP systems are 20% more competitive and 60% more receptive to entrepreneurship.

Mr. Alfaro explained that IP is the ownership rights of intangible assets (assets associated with non-physical property) belonging to an an individual or company, that protect the assets from unauthorized use. Some examples include utility patents, industrial designs, inventions, trademarks, logos, and software, among others.

Mr. Alfaro also highlighted academia’s vital role in the national innovation ecosystem. He stressed that it is essential to protect and strengthen a culture of intellectual property to build on the growth from innovations and ventures that help solve problems at national, regional, and global levels.

The Learning Exchange was attended by more than 50 members of the UVG community, including administrative staff, teachers and researchers from the three UVG campuses. In line with ASPIRE objectives, the program improves capacity building, strengthens the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and builds a university culture focused on facilitating these processes.

This was the first of several learning exchanges that ASPIRE will conduct in 2023, fostering an academic community that solves real-world problems through innovation, research, and entrepreneurship to develop sustainable partnerships with other sectors.

By Isabela Carranza.