WIPO China: Empowering the Next Generation - WIPO China's Role in Fostering Youth Dialogue on Intellectual Property and Innovation

On January 23, 2025, the WIPO Office in China hosted 39 faculty and students led by Dr. Xu Zhengyuan, associate professor in the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China. Director Liu Hua discussed intellectual property protection, innovation, and career planning with participants from various cities, schools and universities exploring the future of IP in the new era.

 

Ms. Liu highlighted that intellectual property (IP) is crucial in today's rapidly evolving world, especially with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence. She pointed out that global intangible assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, are now worth over USD 79.4 trillion. WIPO, as a UN agency, supports the registration, protection, and application of these assets. She illustrated how IP is woven into our daily lives: from the patented technologies in electric toothbrushes and razors we use in the morning, to the complex software copyrights and patents in our smartphones and subway card systems during commutes, to the IP-protected office software and innovative equipment at work, and even to the copyright, trademarks, and design patents in the TV shows, music, and fashion we enjoy in the evening. She emphasized that IP protection fuels human innovation, making our lives more efficient, convenient, and enriched.

Ms. Liu introduced the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day and its Youth Video Competition, themed “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP.” The competition invites youth aged 18 to 35 to submit 60- to 90-second videos on how IP powers music and innovation shapes its future. She highlighted past successes of Chinese participants: Li Binglu and Cai Qing'e won third place in 2022 for their digital design work; Zhang Chaoying took first prize in 2023 for her video on traditional Li brocade; and a video featuring Xi Wang reached the top 25 in 2024. She encouraged students to join this year's competition and explore WIPO's opportunities, including the Young Experts Program, internships, and the WIPO Academy's courses. She also mentioned the 2025 WIPO Global Awards, which will include special awards for Best Woman Entrepreneur and Youth Entrepreneur.

Ms. Liu highlighted two major innovation waves shaping the world: the "Digital Age," driven by artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and big data, and "Deep Science," focused on biotechnology and nanotechnology. These waves are transforming how we live, work, and play. She urged students to adapt by embracing interdisciplinary learning, combining technology, science, and humanities through courses in AI, data analysis, and biotechnology. She also emphasized developing critical thinking and innovation skills, using resources like WIPO's PATENTSCOPE database. For career planning, she advised pursuing opportunities in emerging fields like the digital economy, green technology, biopharmaceuticals, and intelligent manufacturing. She encouraged students to meet these challenges with an open mindset, linking personal growth to societal development through knowledge and innovation.

Ms. Liu introduced WIPO's four key priorities in China:

Partnerships: Aligning WIPO's 2022-2026 strategic plan with China's innovation strategies and participating in major events such as the China International Import Expo, CIFTIS, Zhongguancun Forum, and Global Innovation Index release to support regional innovation.

Promotion: Showcasing the innovation achievements of SMEs, youth, and women through platforms like World Intellectual Property Day and the WIPO Global Awards and sharing successful cases of China's IP development.

Performance: Continuously optimizing registration and protection services for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs using AI, and promoting in-depth cooperation with China in technology and innovation.

Platforms: Focusing on expanding Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) and the WIPO GREEN platform to promote the integration of IP services and green technology innovation.

During the interactive session, students from various high schools shared their views on intellectual property and future careers, and posed specific questions:

Zhang Xiaoran from Tsinghua University High School in Beijing

Huang Jiacheng from Dalian No. 24 High School

Jin Zidi from Hangzhou Entel Foreign Language School

Chen Huihe from Tung Wah High School in Dongguan: Asked how WIPO promotes future innovation in technology and talent investment.

He Xinjing from Wuhou Senior High School in Chengdu: Focused on the opportunities and challenges brought by the era of artificial intelligence.

Chen Guanrui from Xuzhou No. 1 Middle School: Showed interest in the prospects for deepening cooperation between China and WIPO.

Zhu Boning from Taiyuan Xingling Experimental School North Campus: Expressed concern about the international protection of Chinese traditional culture heritage.

In response, Ms. Liu stated that WIPO is supporting the innovative development of young talents and SMEs through technology upgrades, institutional innovations, and talent cultivation. In AI, WIPO organizes global conversations and provides patent trend analysis tools to help innovators stay updated and shape AI-related rules. Regarding cooperation between China and WIPO, Ms. Liu highlighted that China is the only middle-income country among the top 15 in the Global Innovation Index, with 26 top science and technology clusters and leading positions in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. WIPO will continue to deepen cooperation in PCT, TISCs, and WIPO GREEN. Addressing traditional culture protection, Ms. Liu introduced the multilateral cooperation mechanism of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, emphasizing the resolution of related disputes through international rules and professional evaluation to provide stronger protection for Chinese culture. She encouraged students to integrate IP into their academic and career plans and seize the opportunities of the era.