TISCs Key to Driving National Innovation: What This Means for Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT: Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) are crucial drivers of innovation, emphasized Andrew Czajkowski, Acting Senior Director of the IP for Innovators Department at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Speaking at the recent regional meeting for Arab TISCs hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, Czajkowski highlighted the vital connection between TISCs and innovation. He stated, “Well-developed intellectual property and innovation ecosystems enable inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs to realize their potential, create value from their inventions, and contribute to social and economic development. Around the world, countries increasingly prioritize intellectual property to sustain growth and prosperity. Those investing in strengthening innovation ecosystems, promoting IP use, and supporting technology-driven enterprises are better positioned to succeed, even in uncertain times.”
Czajkowski further explained that TISCs play a significant role by offering access to and assistance in using the extensive knowledge found in the global patent system. These centres provide a broad spectrum of services, including patent search and analytics, IP management support, technology transfer, and new product development. Their offerings cover the entire innovation lifecycle—from the initial idea through development and commercialization.
Highlighting their global reach, Czajkowski noted that there are now over 1,650 TISCs across 94 countries. “According to our 2024 year-end survey, TISCs worldwide handled over 2.25 million inquiries during that year,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with the Oman Observer, Czajkowski remarked that current TISC efforts are heavily focused on universities. “We are helping universities to start thinking about intellectual property early. A critical first step in innovation is understanding what already exists. Today, we trained participants on effective patent search techniques. Patent databases contain between 125 to 150 million documents. This process requires strategic searching and analysis, far beyond simple keyword Googling,” he said.
He elaborated, “Students and researchers should leverage these vast patent databases to find inspiration, verify existing inventions, identify improvements, and ultimately protect innovations through patents. Once patented, innovations can be commercialized, leading to job creation and economic growth. TISCs are integral in supporting this journey—from idea to product to societal impact.”
Czajkowski also revealed that a TISC is currently operational at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion’s national IP office but stressed the need for its expansion. The recent meeting aims to assist Oman in strengthening and scaling its TISC network to foster a more robust innovation environment.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s emphasis on expanding Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) presents a strategic opportunity for businesses to leverage intellectual property (IP) for competitive advantage and growth. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should prioritize collaborations with universities and innovation hubs to harness patent analytics and technology transfer, which can lead to new product development and economic diversification. However, scaling these centres effectively will be crucial to fully capitalize on the innovation ecosystem and mitigate risks of falling behind in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
