Philippine conference calls for better IP commercialisation and for science-based innovation to tackle environmental challenges

Photo by Sean Yoro on Unsplash

Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has rallied innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers worldwide to argue for stronger commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) assets to ensure that science-based solutions continue to contribute to environmental sustainability globally.

As reported by Philippine media site Manila Bulletin, Solidum was delivering the opening address at PHILIPPiNEXT: the 1st International Conference and Exposition on Innovations which ran from July 14th to July 15th.

Organised by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), in collaboration with the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT). This inaugural event is intended to be more than a conference and invention exposition – DOST says it is supposed to be a catalyst for action, offering a platform for countries to share, market, calibrate, and accelerate their innovations by harnessing their full commercial potential.

In his speech, the DOST secretary said:

“This year’s Conference theme, ‘Commercialization of Intellectual Property Assets,’ anchors its discussions on turning innovations into real-world solutions by unlocking the market potential of Intellectual Properties.”

“Together, we aim to bridge the gap between invention and application and to enable mechanisms that foster a successful transition from ideation to market-driven commercialisation… While we continue to emphasize the importance of Intellectual Property registration and protection, equal focus must be placed on IP commercialisation—the crucial step in translating innovation into real-world value.”

However, he warned that any innovation commercialisation efforts cannot ignore the potential impact on the environment, observing that “In our pursuit of growth and economic value, nature often bears the cost” and that there was a need to “innovate for the climate.”

Solidum urged delegates and participants at PHILIPPiNEXT to engage in policy discussions on IP incentives, innovation financing, and climate technology diffusion. He concluded:

“We must diligently push for better mechanisms and policies to protect and propel our IPs to broader markets as we continue to lobby for more proactive climate initiatives for our common home.”

At the end of 2024, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) launched the Philippine Intellectual Property Strategy (PHIPS) 2025-2030, a roadmap designed to foster collaboration and unlock the full economic potential of homegrown intellectual property (IP) assets.

IPOHL says PHIPS 2025-2030 will position the Philippines as a global hub for creativity and innovation, foster IP creation, protection and commercialization. PHIPS emphasises leveraging AI, promoting IP valuation and strengthening collaboration to drive economic growth, protect cultural heritage and contribute to sustainable development goals.

IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said in December 2024 that the first priority for IPOHL was getting an IP valuation model finalised during 2025 so innovators and creatives can access financing by leveraging their IP.

“We are going to study the different models of valuation around the world, and then we will determine which is best fitting for the Philippines,” he told Philippine media. “This is already part of the budget next year… We to hope to launch it by the middle of next year… Our most immediate priority is to capacitate IPOPHL on how to value IP. Then next is IP financing so we can talk to the banks to fund the IP creations and accept the valuation as collateral.”