On the sidelines of the 66th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO, a dedicated side event for Member State delegates explored how institutional capacity shapes innovation outcomes. The session, titled “Creativity Meets Capability: Institutional Readiness and Technology Transfer,” introduced WIPO’s new work on strengthening knowledge and technology transfer (K/TT) systems in universities and public research institutions.
The event focused on the development of the Institutional Capability Framework (ICF) and the Harmonised K/TT Metrics Module. These are two integrated tools designed to assess institutional readiness and performance across diverse innovation ecosystems.
Assistant Director General Marco Alemán, who leads WIPO’s IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of moving beyond traditional output metrics to better understand the systems that underpin innovation. He welcomed Member State engagement to shape this strategic initiative and underlined its relevance in advancing sustainable, impact-driven innovation.
The main presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. Fazilet Vardar, Vice-President of USIMP, Board Member of ATTP, and co-author of the ICF. She introduced the framework’s core design principles and capability dimensions, including governance, institutional culture, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. She also explained how the ICF supports institutions in identifying gaps, designing roadmaps, and strengthening their ability to translate research into impact.
Mr. Michael Mbogoro, Head of WIPO’s Technology Transfer Section, provided additional context on how the dual-framework approach will support both institutional decision-making and national policy development. He noted that the ICF and metrics module are being developed through a consultative and evidence-based process, including literature and landscape reviews, peer validation, and pilot testing.
Together, the ICF and K/TT metrics aim to fill a longstanding gap: offering a structured, harmonized way for institutions and governments to assess and enhance the internal capabilities that drive innovation.
Looking ahead, WIPO will launch a Proof-of-Concept phase in late 2025, followed by a multi-country pilot in 2026. Member States are invited to:
- Nominate institutions for participation
- Designate a national focal point
- Support coordination workshops and stakeholder engagement
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