WIPO & AIM to jointly launch Innovation programmes for Global South

The Atal Innovation Mission(AIM) of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has signed a letter of intent with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to jointly build suitable programmes to promote Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Intellectual property for Global South.

The agreement was signed between WIPO and AIM in New Delhi on 22 July 2024 in the presence of the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairperson Suman Bery and Dr Chintan Vaishnav Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission.

Main Aim of the Agreement between WIPO and AIL 

In collaboration with the AIL, the WIPO will replicate India’s innovation models in countries of the global south that are at the same level of economic development as India. 

It will aim to enhance understanding and awareness about Intellectual property rights in these countries from the school level onwards, which will boost innovation in these countries and lead to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

What is Global South?

• Global South refers to the underdeveloped, less developed and developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. 
• Global North refers to the rich and industrialised countries of Europe, North America, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

What is Intellectual Property 

• Intellectual property refers to the products that do not exist in nature and are the creations of human minds, such as music, books, medicine, inventions, symbols, names, or images used in business.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) refer to exclusive rights given to the creator of such intellectual property so that they can enjoy monetary and other benefits. 
• The government gives intellectual property rights through patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, trade secrets and geographical indications (GI)

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

• The Atal Innovation Mission is an autonomous body of NITI Aayog that was established in 2016. 
• It is a flagship initiative of the government of India to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
• The Atal Innovation Mission has launched the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program in the country.
• ATL is a state-of-the-art space established in a school to foster curiosity and innovation in young minds between grades 6th to 12th across the country.

About World Intellectual Property Organisation 

The World Property Intellectual Organisation is a United Nations agency set up in 1967.

WIPO promotes intellectual property worldwide and helps governments, businesses, and society realise the benefits of intellectual property.

Headquarters of WIPO: Geneva, Switzerland

Director General of WIPO: Daren Tang

Members -193 countries.