AMMAN - "Protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) is the first step towards fostering innovation, research and development," said Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Majali, member of the Jordanian Upper House at the 11th Annual Jordan Science Week held at the Royal Cultural Center, ag-IP-news Agency reported.
Deputizing for HRH Prince El-Hassan bin Talal, chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), Dr. Al-Majali, vice-chairman of HCST, added, "Special protection should be given to the intellectual creations of researchers."
"The national economy should benefit from such innovative works which will contribute extensively to socio-economic development," Dr. Al-Majali pointed out.
Meanwhile, Dr. Khaled Elshuraydeh, secretary-general of the HCST, said that increasing innovation’s impact on the socio-economic development of Jordan is done through the revitalization of the role of science and technology in the economy.
"An essential element of innovation is its application in a commercially successful way," Elshuraydeh said.
Organized by the HCST, the 11th Annual Jordan Science Week covered four major themes: the Role of Innovation in Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Economy, Governance of the National Innovation System, Innovation Culture and Research and Development (R&D).
Under the abovementioned themes, the event examined several issues including the role of innovation in the technological economy and sustainable productivity, the role of IPR laws and regulations in protecting innovation, the role of society and education in encouraging innovation, and scientific and technological infrastructures required for developing research.
In the session designated to intellectual property, Attorney and IP expert Tawfiq Tabbaa examined the elements of intellectual property and its effect on science, technology, research and development.
Mr. Tabbaa said that Jordan witnessed significant changes and amendments in intellectual property laws in the past few years. Out of eleven laws dealing with several IP aspects including copyright, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, unfair competition, integrated circuits, geographical indications, protection of plant varieties, five have been endorsed.
The Sept. 18 - 20 event was convened under the title "Revitalization of the National Innovation System: Towards Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Jordanian Economy."
On the sidelines of the event, a workshop on "Innovation Promotion and Technology Commercialization" was held September 14-15, 2005 under the patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan.
The workshop was organized by the HCST, the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) and Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) which hosted the event.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness among different parties, especially researchers and inventors, of the economic and commercial value of IP, since research and intellectual production are a national wealth that should be well-safeguarded.