Deadline: 18-Feb-21
The Embassy of Sweden is calling for applications to the advanced international training programme on “Intellectual Property for Least Developed Countries.”
This International Training Programme is specially designed for persons qualified to participate in reform processes of importance on different levels and exercising a position in their home organization with a mandate to introduce change in social, economic, cultural and scientific institutions utilizing Intellectual Property as a tool for development.
Objectives
The main objectives and rationale of the Programme are the following.
- To increase the familiarity with the foundational concepts and the different categories of Intellectual Property for the achievement of national development objectives including the strengthening of IP institutions and systems in LDCs.
- To inform about and discuss a number of specific issues, related to development, in the area of Intellectual Property, for example, the impact of IP to enable solutions of the Covid-19 pandemic, digitalization, the economic impact of the utilization of trademarks and geographical indications in facilitating growth and competitiveness in product areas of strategic importance for LDCs and the benefits of flourishing creative industries for employment creation.
- To discuss and provide examples of various aspects of international negotiations in the field of Intellectual Property to strengthen capacity and multilateral cooperation.
- To assess the Intellectual Property situation in the participating countries and identify national areas for change based on knowledge and experiences acquired from the Training Programme, as well as discussions among participants on the experiences gained from the implementation of the country projects.
- To create networks among the Swedish and international experts and the participants to share experience and knowledge. Participants will also be encouraged to form national networks of stakeholders.
Themes
The training in Stockholm or in a virtual setting will be focused on a number of special themes in the area of Intellectual Property, including the following:
- General aspects of Intellectual Property including legal, institutional and management aspects, and its relevance in the context of economic growth and development.
- The role of multilateral and regional institutions in Intellectual Property law formulation, implementation and administration.
- The role of Intellectual Property in key national public policy issues such as agriculture, education, and health and the discussion of implementation issues in the national context.
- Emerging issues in Intellectual Property including those related to biodiversity, environmental protection, and implications of a dynamic and fast-paced technological landscape.
- The international trading system, especially the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Law (The TRIPS Agreement).
- The importance of patents as a resource of technical and scientific information for technological capacity building and their role in promoting innovation and invention.
- The role of trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications in contributing to economic growth and increasing competitiveness.
- The role of copyright and related rights in cultural and socio-economic development.
- Intellectual Property and Gender.
- Intellectual Property Law and its enforcement.
- The Intellectual Property system in Sweden as an illustrative example, with study visits to enable participants to witness first hand and garner practical lessons from Swedish organizations and institutions of invention, innovation, creativity and technological capacity building.
Requirements
- INVITED COUNTRIES
- The following countries are invited to nominate candidates: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
- TARGET GROUP
- Only candidates nominated by the appropriate organization and in accordance with national rules will be considered.
- TARGET REGION
- Least Developed Countries in Africa, Asia.
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
- The Training Programme is specially designed for senior officials and policymakers from relevant government entities, business and industries, universities and academic institutions, research and development organizations who are involved in issues concerning Intellectual Property at the national level. The number of participants is limited to 27 in order to ensure a close working relationship between participants, lecturers and mentors. Emphasis will be made on the selection of senior officials with experience in areas of transfer of technology and technological capacity building in order to promote cooperation between institutions of higher learning, research institutions, industries, and business to initiate project-based activities on invention and innovation.
- PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
- The participants accepted to the Training Programme shall be obliged to participate in all phases of the programme. Substitutes will not be accepted for any phase. Management approval for all participation and project work is mandatory and is to Admission requirements be confirmed in the application.
- The participant should have some proficiency in the use of computers (word processing) and access to computers with Internet connection in the home country (for e-mail communications and to be able to use Zoom, Dropbox and WhatsApp).
- The WIPO general course on Intellectual Property (DL101) or equivalent knowledge is recommended but not a prerequisite. The participant’s professional role in his/her home country is more important than formal qualifications. When applying to the Programme candidates will be asked to prepare a short description of the chosen Project For Change.
- LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
- English will be the language of instruction for the Training Programme. Candidates from countries where English is not an official language should do a language test with an official body in the home country unless other documentation to support for her/his ability can be provided. Proficiency in English shall be certified on the Application form.
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
- Considering the Training Programme consists of international travels and work away from home in a new environment, good health and full working capacity is conditioned. It is therefore recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before filling in the Medical Statement in the Application form. COSTS The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) will cover all costs related to all programme phases except personal expenses, visa fees or any local airport taxes and departure fees.
Application Process
- Application should be written on the special form attached and include a recent photograph and required information and documents. Please also note that in order to be accepted to the program your proposed Project For Change will be of importance.
- When necessary, the application should be approved by the official nominating authority in your country.
- Application in original with required signatures and attachments should be submitted to the nearest Swedish Embassy/ Consulate. If there is no appropriate Swedish Embassy/Consulate in your country, the application should be submitted directly to the Organizer PRV.
- Applications submitted after closing date will not be considered.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2Z6ECOA