WIPO Director General Daren Tang concluded a two-day visit to Helsinki on November 26, 2025, focusing on emerging challenges in AI and quantum technologies, transparency reforms for standard essential patents and building capacity to leverage intangible assets in the innovation-driven economy.
Mr. Tang met with Mr. Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs to discuss reforms to standard essential patents transparency, strategies for developing green and sustainable technologies and strengthening international IP registration and protection systems. The Director General commended Finland's approach to translating intangible capital and R&D investments into competitive advantage, noting the importance of equipping society with the skills needed to maximize returns from innovation assets.
In addition, Mr. Tang met with Ms. Mari-Leena Talvitie, Minister of Science and Culture, to discuss Finland’s active engagement in WIPO’s work on AI and copyright and the importance of balanced, future-ready copyright frameworks that support creators and cultural industries.
Other Helsinki Engagements:
- Delivered a keynote address at the Autumn Meeting of the Finnish Copyright Society, on the challenges posed by generative AI, emphasizing the continued importance of placing human creators at the center of the IP system.
- Engaged with startups including QuantrolOx, Kuva Space and representatives from the Finnish Startup Community and Voima Ventures, on how IP and finance access can help deep-tech companies scale globally.
- Met with students, researchers and faculty of the IPR University Center and Hanken School of Economics, to exchange perspectives on the evolving IP landscape and to explore opportunities to deepen collaboration through WIPO’s academic and youth-focused programs.
- Met with Mr. Patrik Hammarén, President of Nokia and senior executives to explore Nokia’s continued transformation into a global leader in connectivity, standards and advanced network technologies, including 5G and emerging 6G innovation.
- Participated in a roundtable on AI and Copyright Infrastructure hosted by Ms. Anna Vuopala and discussed Finland’s pioneering work in copyright infrastructure and AI and exploring opportunities related to WIPO’s forthcoming Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Interchange.