On 13 February 2025, UNU will host “The Future of Innovation and Creativity in a Transforming World”, a conversation with Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO. This event will start at 18:30 in the 2F Reception Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
The innovation landscape is evolving rapidly. Breakthrough technologies are reshaping industries, the lines between the digital and physical worlds are blurring, and economic value is shifting from tangible to intangible assets. Against this backdrop, more and more economies are turning to innovation and creativity to develop and grow, with intellectual property at the centre.
Robust intellectual property protection creates a favourable environment for industries and academia to experiment, innovate and collaborate. By providing space for artists and creators to be rewarded for their efforts, it creates a safe space for risk taking, talent exploration and novel entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it provides a financial incentive for individuals to invest their time, skills and resources into innovation and creativity, for the benefit of all of society.
Daren Tang will join UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala for a discussion on the place of innovation and creativity in a transforming world. How have recent technological advancements changed the nature of innovation? What is the role of intellectual property in promoting innovation and creativity? And how do we strengthen the international framework for governing intellectual property?
The UNU Conversation Series aims to foster audience participation; you are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all event attendees are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
Please note that this event will be in English. Advance registration (by 12 February) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page. Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
About the Speaker
Daren Tang has been Director General of WIPO since 2020. Under his leadership, WIPO is working to transform the global intellectual property (IP) ecosystem into a powerful catalyst for jobs, investments, business growth, as well as economic and social development for all countries. He is also committed to ensuring WIPO works to harness the power of IP to provide innovative solutions to our common global challenges.
To make this happen, IP must not just be of interest to specialists and experts but also those innovating and creating at the grassroots, and IP must better serve the needs of women, youth, SMEs and entrepreneurs.
In a world facing geopolitical challenges, economic uncertainty and fast emerging technologies, DG Tang believes that IP, innovation and creativity serve as a bridge to connect countries together for the common good for all.
Mr. Tang is a former legal counsel and senior government official of his native Singapore. He is an avid jazz pianist and has also authored a book on tea.
