Empowering Pakistan’s Future: Leveraging Intellectual Property for Innovation and Development

By Ambassador (r) Farukh Amil

Creativity and innovation run today’s world of The Knowledge Economy which is nurtured in an enabling IP environment. With IP firmly an integral part of the global economy, it is vital for Pakistan not to be left behind.

The shrinking world is characterized by increased globalization together with ever-increasing competition and control of resources. In this tight space, disruptive technologies are increasing disparities between and within societies. Pakistan with its huge potential, and abundant resources but with a growing population cannot vacillate. It must secure its place in the global economy. This can only be done with an enabling business environment, that thrives on innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and opportunity creation, especially for the youth.

The role of IP is critical in national development and national economic security. As we are becoming increasingly dependent on technology in all walks of life, the value of innovation and creativity is vital. Equally, the protection and promotion of national resources become crucial to harnessing national wealth. This can only take root and flourish if a strong IP system is in place.  A stable IP environment becomes a magnet for future creativity and innovation and provides opportunities for the youth. A country that creates and innovates will succeed in development.

The future of any country is its youth, both girls and boys. There has to be a grassroots awareness of the potential of IP as early as at the school level. The younger generation absolutely must be in step with global knowledge and standards. Digital connectivity and e-commerce will empower the youth in remote areas, giving them equalized access. Formal teaching and incorporation of IP into the National Curriculum will develop the mindset of coming generations so as not just to innovate but encourage them to secure the protection of their IPRs and protect rights to the nation’s Traditional Knowledge and Heritage and not allow others to appropriate what is rightfully theirs.

Through automation, it is critical to bring the window of opportunity online to the established business community and, critically, to innovators sitting in the smallest villages of Pakistan to help them transform their ideas into viable, profitable enterprises. IP must be at the forefront of democratizing access for all citizens. Automation opens doors for all, irrespective of gender or location. Far-flung areas have immediate and equal access and that too in local languages. This is at the core of development, driven by self-empowerment and the creation of opportunities previously denied.

Universities and Institutions, especially those engaged in Research & Product Development that foster a ‘can-do’ sense of achievability, are critical in changing the mindset of a nation. New ideas once secured with IP tools and with the partnership of business & industry, will provide critical pathways for development. A limited IP culture and weak IP enforcement are also challenges that need to be overcome. Adherence to global standards on IP, through international treaties and societal practices, will enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a country serious about following international norms and be seen as an investment-friendly destination with a strong enforcement regime. Knowledge of ones’ IP Rights and opportunities is key in shifting a society of consumers (of ideas and products of others) to creators themselves.

The importance of innovation and solution-based business activities are vital in the age of Climate Change and definitely required as human and climate-induced disasters multiply in ferocity. As the inevitable world famine looms closer, Pakistan must have a resilient, science-based technical response with innovative strategies. The importance cannot be understated in a country with a burgeoning population growth. It is heartening to see that there is progress in IP in the Agri-Tech sector at the Universities, given that Pakistan is an agricultural economy and many of the development challenges are in the rural areas. Whilst development has to be geographically horizontal, it has to be societally vertical. Equally, development cannot be sustainable when the rural-urban divide persists, and development disparities increase, which in turn have profound effects on Human Dignity. That is precisely why knowing one’s IP Rights is an opportunity driver and equalizer in the context of development.

* The writer is Chairperson of IPO-Pakistan and a former Ambassador.