IP Phils blames lack of funding for dismal R&D

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) blamed insufficient government funding for the underdevelopment of education and research and development activities in the country.

“Most infrastructure and facilities for R&D activities are inadequate and deteriorating due to lack of funds for effective maintenance programs,” Adrian Cristobal, director general of IP Philippines said during the first National Conference on Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization.

 “This conference, a first of its kind in the Philippines , jumpstarts a series of projects and activities that support technology commercialization,” Cristobal explained.

According to Cristobal, the private sector likewise cannot generate enough money in order to supplement government funding.

He said the insufficiency of funds most often result in a lack of research equipment and research consumables, finance field attachments and practical exposure.

Also, Cristobal noted that it is becoming more difficult to stop, much less reverse, the brain drain problem due to low pay.

“The much needed link between R&D and academic institutions are often weak, thus the flow of income to universities through consultancy, research contracts and the commercialization of inventions, innovations and research findings is very low,” he explained.

The Philippine IP Policy Strategy has identified universities and research and development institutions (RDI) as the innovation hubs of the country.

During the conference, international experts provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and European Patent Office will present the international perspectives of IP and Technology Commercialization, focusing on protection, marketing and financing strategies.

Meanwhile, Filipino experts will present the state of IP commercialization in the country, experiences of academic institutions in crafting and implementing IP policies, roles of the government and private sector in IP commercialization through policies, programs and legislation.

“The conference also serves as a venue for establishing linkages among various IP stakeholders such as universities and RDI, financial institutions and venture capitalists, government institutions and entrepreneurs to encourage the use of IP for technology commercialization,” Cristobal said.

“To be globally competitive, the Philippines should be a creator, innovator, and user of new technologies. IP Philippines will undertake follow-through activities that will support this sector. In the next three years, the office targets that five percent of all issued local patents should be in the commercialization stage,” he added.

Earlier, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has partnered with the IP Philippines in an attempt to generate more investments in the country through the help of intellectual property assets.

“One of the major factors that hinder commercialization of technology is the lack of awareness on how the IP system can benefit academic and research and development institutions in the country,” Cristobal said.

The two agencies recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will help universities and colleges use intellectual property assets not only attract more businesses in the country but also create more employment.