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WIPO Names Charleroi, Liverpool and Shanghai as First “City of Innovation” Award Winners

Geneva, October 12, 2026
PR/2026/960

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) today named Charleroi (Belgium), Liverpool (United Kingdom) and Shanghai (China) as the first winners of its “City of Innovation” awards program that recognizes cities’ commitments to advancing innovation and creativity in their communities.

Metropolitan areas are increasingly important engines of economic growth: Urban areas are already home to about half of the world’s population and generate 80% of global GDP, with two-thirds of global population growth through 2050 projected to occur in cities.

Launched this year at the annual UN Forum of Mayors, the WIPO City of Innovation award recognizes cities pledging to create ecosystems that unlock the innovative and creative potential of their residents and inspire other municipalities to match their commitments. The 2026 winners’ pledges include plans to attract technology start-ups, develop digital and creative skills, expand intellectual property support and further involve communities in innovative activities.

Invention is a solo game but innovation is a team sport. This is partly why urban areas and cities have long been birthplaces of innovation and creativity – they connect ideas, communities and cultures together.   But connections in something as complex as innovation can’t be left only to chance: today’s cities should make efforts to nurture thriving IP, innovation and creative ecosystems. This Award recognizes cities making these efforts.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang

What will WIPO do to support them in implementing these pledges?

Winners gain international visibility at the award ceremony and among the global intellectual property community. WIPO will work with winning cities to document their initiatives and track the realization of their pledges which are meant to inspire other cities to use innovation and IP.. Together, the three winning cities form the first cohort of a network that will expand with each future award cycle.

A nine-person independent international jury selected the 2026 winners from 15 finalists. Jurors assessed the ambition and credibility of applicants’ pledges and how well each city’s vision built upon its local circumstances. The jury brings together expertise in innovation, the creative sectors, urban development and international development.

The first “WIPO City of Innovation” winners:

Charleroi, Belgium, has pledged to build on its A6K-E6K innovation and training hub to attract technology start-ups and equip people with digital and creative skills. It will also help innovators protect their ideas and bring them to market, while supporting technologies that contribute to a greener economy.

Liverpool, United Kingdom, has pledged to develop a new innovation strategy and expand support for businesses in protecting their ideas and turning them into commercial opportunities. It will also bring universities, businesses, local government and residents closer together, with science, technology and arts activities involving communities and young people.

Shanghai, China, has pledged to expand education and practical support on intellectual property, widen access to facilities and data that support innovation, and help cultural and creative businesses grow. It will also connect researchers and entrepreneurs with businesses and investors.

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About WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas travel safely to the market and improve lives everywhere.

We do so by providing services that enable creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to protect and promote their intellectual property (IP) across borders and acting as a forum for addressing cutting-edge IP issues. Our IP data and information guide decisionmakers the world over. And our impact-driven projects and technical assistance ensure IP benefits everyone, everywhere.

For more information, please contact the News and Media Division at WIPO:
  • Tel: (+41 22) 338 81 61 / 338 72 24
  • E-mail
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