International Training Programme: Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources – in Support of Innovation

The International Training Programme is directed to individuals that are policy-makers with a mandate to implement changes relevant for intellectual property and innovation in relation to genetic resources. The programme is aimed towards organisations within government, research, business and organisations connected to intellectual property and the farming sector. The programme fosters change on an individual level, organisational level and ultimately on a national level.

Economic growth, food security, and finding responses to climate change are fundamental areas to fight poverty and for implementing Agenda 2030. During the programme, genetic resources at an intersection of these fundamental areas will be examined, including the cross-roads of international obligations, innovation and the needs of farmers. This programme will focus on intellectual property as a tool to support innovation in developing countries for the benefit of industry, research institutions and farmers.

The participants will use the latest developments in their areas of work and be supervised by skilled colleagues and experts. The programme places a large focus on building connections with other participants. Those enrolled in the programme will also develop a web of colleagues from other countries and be able to uniquely network with diverse stakeholders of genetic resources. This includes users, researchers, policy makers and international institutions working on genetic resources and intellectual property.

Emphasis is made on building networks between the participants to create better understanding of the different needs and roles of various stakeholders. Unique on-site study visits, scientific lectures and direct interactions with relevant operations will enable the participants to gain a first-hand understanding of practical questions and solutions. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop their country projects and potential future collaborations with the other stakeholders.

“There is no doubt that this kind of training is greatly sought after in many countries. In fact, the programme is being scaled up to five annual trainings”, says  Gabriel Pino, Director of International Cooperation at PRV. Being able to understand and use Intellectual Property Rights is crucial for developing countries. It safeguards inventors’ and creators’ rights, and in doing so it contributes to economic growth and ultimately development. Also, Intellectual Property can improve innovation within a country and develop its technology base. Altogether, a functioning Intellectual Property system enhances trade on equal terms.

The course is part of a training programme that spans two to three times a year. It is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and implemented in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The Swedish Patent and Registration Office’s (PRV) training programmes are held on an international level. PRV has nearly 30 years of experience of this kind of programme.

The brochure for the training programme can be found here.

To apply for the programme, please fill in the application form. The deadline for applications is November 23rd 2018.