Two staff members including Eng. M. Vignarajah, Member of the University Business Linkage from Faculty of Engineering, participated to this National Level Innovation and IP Policy conference. The Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) arranged a two-day conference on “National Level Innovation and Intellectual Property Policy Conference” on June 14, 2016 at Hilton Colombo Residencies. The hosts were Ministry of Science Technology and Research and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Ms. Geethanjali Ranawakka (Director General, NIPO) gave introduction to the WIPO/NIPO 10 points Action Plan and the way forward for the Intellectual Property environment in Sri Lanka. Prof. Sirimali Fernando (Chairperson, NSF) delivered an introductory note on “Role of innovation in Sri Lanka and respective policy plans”.Keynote Address Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent (Senior Economist, WIPO) offered the keynote address on “Role of innovation in emerging countries and the state of Sri Lanka’s innovation system according to the GII”.
Ms. Geethanjali Ranawakka (Director General, NIPO) gave introduction to the WIPO/NIPO 10 points Action Plan and the way forward for the Intellectual Property environment in Sri Lanka. Prof. Sirimali Fernando (Chairperson, NSF) delivered an introductory note on “Role of innovation in Sri Lanka and respective policy plans”.Keynote Address Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent (Senior Economist, WIPO) offered the keynote address on “Role of innovation in emerging countries and the state of Sri Lanka’s innovation system according to the GII”.
Panel Discussion 1: Role of innovation in Sri Lanka and effective innovation policy approaches to leverage strengths and overcome challenges: Moderator – Mr Anushka Wijesinghe. Panelists – Dr Harsha Subasinghe, CodeGen Pvt Ltd Dr Mahesh Edirisinghe, SLIC Prof. Vajira Dissanayake, Human Genetics Unit, UOC, Dr Sampath Punchihewa, University of Colombo and Ms Yumiko Hamano, IP consultant, ET cube International.
Panel Discussion 2: Innovation Strategies for National Economic Sectors (Manufacturing, Service, Information management, Public, Social): Moderator – Mr Lakshman Bandaranayeka. Panelists – Dr Ashan Amarasinghe, former Eng. Boeing Ms Chithrangani Mubarak, ICTA Dr Sankalpa Gamwarige, Zone24X7 Pvt Ltd Mr Asanga Abeyagoonasekara, Dirisaviya Dr Muditha Senarath Yapa, John Keells PLC and Dr Travis Perera, PIM, University of J’pura.
Panel Discussion 3: Commercialization of Innovation and Idea to Marketplace: Moderator – Prof. Ajith de Alwis. Panelists – Mr Harin Wijeyeratne, SLINTEC Prof Dileeka Dias, UOM Ms Renuka Jayathilaka, ITI Mr Eric Wikramanayake, Lankan Angel Network Mr Andrew Michael Ong, WIPO and Dr Richard S Cahoon, Cornell University, USA.
Panel Discussion 4: High-level policy panel – Conclusions and Way Forward: Moderator – Mr Anushka Wijesinghe. Panellists – Eng. MangalaYapa, NDA Mr Sanjaya Mudalige, NPD Ms Geethanjali Ranawaka, NIPO Prof. Sirimali Fernando, NSF Prof. Dhammika Thanthrigoda, former Chairman, NASTEC and Dr Sacha Wunsch-Vincent, WIPO.
Summary & Closing Remarks by Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Project Director, COSTI.
