Press Room

Crafting a culture of innovation

27 May 2017

By Karimullah Adeni


“There is only one thing stronger than all the armies of the world: and that is an idea whose time has come.” - Victor Hugo
We live in a world that has changed unimaginably in a single generation, access to knowledge and communication have altered the very core of our societies. At the heart of these wondrous, disruptive developments is a singular component: that knowledge trumps all. Innovation unlocks that knowledge, renders a scribbled piece of paper more powerful and valuable than thousands of acres of land; this thus is the power of the knowledge economy.

There is no doubt that an effective and equitable legislative IPR framework is important in promoting innovation, and IPO Pakistan has done a commendable job in ensuring that our laws are at par with the world. But laws themselves are not enough if we do not work towards a culture that truly values creativity and innovation – this has to be the goal.

This year on World IP Day, WIPO has chosen to “explore how innovation is making our lives healthier, safer, and more comfortable, turning problems into progress.” Innovation isn’t just about finding a solution but about new ideas that may fundamentally alter our perceptions, provide a unique insight and allow us to explore new dimensions of knowledge.

Albert Einstein once commented that “You can’t solve a problem on the same level that it was created. You have to rise above it to the next level.” Innovation occurs in a culture that promotes creativity, and on this IP Day, where we recognize the fruits of such innovation, we should all strive to light a torch to original thought.