HARARE, Zimbabwe - ARIPO announced in a press release that it has hosted the WIPO-ZIPO Workshop on the Development of the Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) Network in Zimbabwe. 

The workshop is being held from February 20-22, 2019, aims to discuss the value of technology information and learning programs to facilitate an innovation-led and knowledge-based economy. Access to this information is essential in development. 

The Technology and Innovation Support Centers also play an important role in facilitating the strategic use of data to support technological absorption, adaption and innovation in our countries, noted ARIPO Director General, Mr. Fernando dos Santos during the workshop opening. “At least seven of our member states, namely Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe have locally based technology information related services that are vital to innovators and researchers,” he added. 

The ARIPO Sub-Regional (TISCS) Network is to incorporate all national TISCS and their networks so as to provide a platform for the exchange of experiences with regard to the services offered by TISCS. The activities will include; awareness creation, capacity building, infrastructure together with policy development, and governance. WIPO and ARIPO will hold the first meeting of the regional network in the second half of 2019. 

The TISC speakers at the workshop include; Mr. Elangi Botoy Ituku, Industrial Property Information Officer, Innovation and Technology Support Section of WIPO, Mr. Gracian Chimwaza the Executive Director of Information Training and Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA) South Africa, Ms. Juliet Nassuna, Former Director of Intellectual Property Department of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and officials from the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO).