IP powers innovation | HKMB

Intellectual property (IP) and innovation are joined at the hip and the Business of IP Asia Forum, themed IP & Innovation: Steering New Economic Growth, paired with Entrepreneur Day (E-Day), offered industry players a chance to explore both. BIP Asia, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government , and E-Day, hosted by the HKTDC, attracted more than 140 international IP experts and business leaders who explored how IP and innovation enhance business growth and boost start-up collaboration. The events, held on 7-8 December, offered forums, exhibitions, competitions, workshops and business matching, with more than 350 exhibitors from IP, innovation and technology (I&T), start-ups and sustainability taking part to network, exchange insights on the latest in IP and innovation and seize business opportunities. The BIP Asia Forum welcomed more than 2,500 participants, while E-Day attracted more than 10,000 visitors. BIP Asia began with a Policy Dialogue – Powering Economic Growth through a Future-ready IP Policy, at which international IP experts and government representatives discussed IP commercialisation trends, the economic value it generates, related legal issues and policy direction. Rowel S. Barba, Chair of the Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, said: “APAC economies need responsive, adaptable and future-proof IP policies to drive innovation that address environmental challenges, promote inclusivity and facilitate adaptable business practices.” The surge in the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has brought about many legal issues, including copyright infringement over creative works generated by AI. At the Forum’s Inspo Talk, legal experts discussed these legal issues and potential IP issues when engaging with the online marketplace. Alongside the conference, IPHatch Asia gathered global tech pioneers to discuss IP best practices. Previous IPHatch competition winners also shared their entrepreneurship journey. The IP & Innovation Market gathered about 50 exhibitors showcasing over 30 innovations to further strengthen IP commercialisation and facilitate collaboration. Exhibitor Peng Maoxiang, Vice President of Intellectual Property Publishing House, remarked: “”The IP services industry in the Greater Bay Area is developing steadily, driven by strong demand for the industry, which is essential for business growth. Hong Kong’s IP services industry ought to be strategically positioned to draw innovators from both global and Asian markets.” As HKTDC’s anchor start-up event, E-Day featured more than 50 industry leaders from around the world sharing insights and experiences, with more than 200 business matching sessions and networking activities alongside insightful seminars. The exhibition also featured over 300 start-ups, innovation projects and start-up support services from 11 countries and regions to facilitate collaboration opportunities. Investment NSW from Australia joined the event for the first time, bringing nine start-ups to demonstrate healthtech, green tech and smart city tech. To encourage youth entrepreneurship, 50 local start-ups, supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau’s Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA, participated in E-Day. A series of seminars focused on the latest trends in I&T, equipping start-ups and SMEs and helping them seize market opportunities. An ESG seminar explored ESG best practices, sustainable development and brand building. The HKTDC organised the second edition of Start-up Express International, the international edition of its long-standing start-up development programme, to attract overseas start-ups to expand their business in Hong Kong. Eight of the 10 award-winners shared their entrepreneurial journey at E-Day. Recordings of all BIP events are available on-demand from now until 8 January. Replay of E-Day events will be available from 9 January.