DTI chief encourages MSMEs to use intellectual property for progress

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual has called on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage intellectual property (IP) for societal progress.

Speaking at the 2024 Gawad Yamang Isip Awards Night on April 29, hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Secretary Pascual highlighted the significant role IP plays in enhancing the economic and social development of the country.

“Many of our MSMEs, armed with registered IPs, are at the forefront of pioneering sustainable products and technologies, drawing investments, and penetrating new markets. Safeguarding their IP rights is essential, as it augments their market presence and enhances their company valuations,” Secretary Pascual remarked.

He emphasized that intellectual property is not only about protection but also about fostering innovation that can drive societal change.

The DTI has spearheaded several initiatives to strengthen industry competitiveness, including the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project. This project provides MSMEs with access to advanced machinery, equipment, and technical expertise, aiding in transforming intellectual properties into commercially viable products.

Furthermore, the DTI, in collaboration with IPOPHL and the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), is intensifying efforts to protect IP rights nationwide. New programs such as the Global Acceleration Program and the recent Startup Venture Fund have been introduced to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting startups and innovators in the country.

Secretary Pascual also discussed plans for the National Innovation Gateway, which will include facilities like the Center for AI Research, the Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory, the SME AI Academy, and incubation and acceleration centers.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to integrate innovation across various sectors and regions through the establishment of Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“Central to our national economic agenda is the ethos of innovation, a cornerstone of the cross-cutting strategies encapsulated in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028,” Pascual stated.

He noted that innovation is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transforming the Philippines into a Smart and Innovative Philippines by 2032.

The Gawad Yamang Isip Awards Night, themed “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity,” celebrated individuals, organizations, and institutions making significant contributions to promoting creativity and innovation through intellectual property.