Uganda’s global innovation ranking currently stands at 121st out of 133 economies, a position that has raised concerns among stakeholders.
However, Ms. Nabatanzi Miriam, Commissioner of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), expressed optimism about the country’s potential for improvement.
Speaking at the Global Innovation Index (GII) Symposium, held at Mestil Hotel and Residences, Kampala, Nabatanzi by URSB and the Secretariat of Science and Technology, highlighted Uganda’s leadership in innovation within the low-income group.
Nabatanzi emphasised the urgent need to improve Uganda’s global innovation ranking, saying, “Together, let us build a future where innovation is not just a statistic, but the foundation of our nation’s prosperity.”
URSB’s Commitment
She revealed that URSB has outlined its commitment to supporting innovation in the country. According to Ms. Nabatanzi, URSB will:
Modernise Intellectual Property Systems
This can be achieved through streamlining registration processes for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, implementing digital platforms for efficient IP management and enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights
Enhance Capacity
This can be done by building the capacity of URSB staff to effectively manage and protect intellectual property, providing training and resources for stakeholders, including innovators and entrepreneurs and improving infrastructure and technology to support IP registration and management
Foster Collaborative Partnerships
To achieve this, there is a need to build partnerships with local and international organisations to promote innovation and IP protection, collaborating with stakeholders to develop and implement IP-related policies and programs, and facilitating knowledge sharing and technology transfer between innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry players
Advocate for Supportive Policies
There is a need to promote policies that support innovation and IP protection, advocate for laws and regulations that encourage creativity and entrepreneurship, plus engage with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that IP policies align with national development goals
Collaboration is Key
Nabatanzi called on stakeholders to improve collaboration on intellectual property data and make concrete commitments.
She emphasised that a united effort is necessary to elevate Uganda’s global innovation ranking.
“By working together, Uganda can harness its innovative potential and drive economic growth and development,” she noted.
A Brighter Future
With the right strategies and collaborations in place, Uganda can improve its global innovation ranking and become a leader in innovation.
As Nabatanzi noted, innovation can be the foundation of the nation’s prosperity, driving economic growth and development.
By prioritising innovation and intellectual property protection, Uganda can build a brighter future for its citizens.
Nabatanzi explained that by taking a comprehensive approach to supporting innovation, URSB aims to create an environment that encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Through its commitment to modernising IP systems, enhancing capacity, fostering partnerships, and advocating for supportive policies, URSB is well-positioned to drive innovation and development in Uganda.