Panel Discussions Held Within the International Conference on Intellectual Property in Tbilisi

The second part of the international conference, “From Research to Impact: The Role of Patents in Technology Transfer,” organized by Sakpatenti, was devoted to panel discussions, bringing together leading experts from relevant fields, as well as leaders from academic and institutional sectors. The discussions were structured around two main thematic areas.

The first panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Salome Tsimakuridze, Head of the Administration Department of Sakpatenti, focused on the strategic role of universities in advancing research, innovation, and international cooperation. The discussion explored the role of universities as drivers of innovation and technological development. Particular attention was paid to the importance of intellectual property education and the development of relevant professional skills as mechanisms for facilitating technology transfer.

The panelists discussed effective tools for transforming the results of academic research into practical, market-oriented innovations. The importance of cooperation between universities, industry, and international partners in building an effective innovation ecosystem was also highlighted.

The discussion featured Mr. Xavier Seuba, Principal Director of the European Patent Office (EPO) Academy; Mr. Erekle Astakhishvili, Vice-Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University; Mr. Vakhtang Tsagareli, Acting Rector of Kutaisi International University; Mr. Tite Aroshidze, Rector of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University; and Ms. Sophio Bakhtadze, Vice-Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University.

The second panel discussion focused on the role of intellectual property in stimulating economic growth, mechanisms for the commercialization of innovation, and the importance of cooperation between the public sector, business, and the education sector. It was moderated by Ms. Mery Macharashvili, Head of the Department of Inventions and New Varieties and Breeds at Sakpatenti. Special emphasis was placed on transforming research and innovation into economic impact, as well as on technology transfer tools, the development of the startup ecosystem, and the importance of patents in attracting investment.

The second panel featured Mr. Antoine Réty, Country Coordinator for International Cooperation at the European Patent Office (EPO); Mr. Avtandil Kasradze, Chairman of the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA); Ms. Magda Maghradze, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Foundation; Mr. Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of the Business Association of Georgia; and Mr. Rati Golijashvili, Managing Partner of JSC “Biochimpharm.”

At the conclusion of the discussions, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the Validation Agreement between Georgia and the European Patent Organisation as a significant step toward strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and promoting international integration.

It is also noteworthy that Mr. António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office (EPO), paid an official visit to Georgia and participated in the Sakpatenti International Conference, “From Research to Impact: The Role of Patents in Technology Transfer.” His visit was preceded by Georgia’s submission of an official Letter of Interest to the European Patent Organisation regarding accession to the European Patent Convention, signaling the prospect of full membership for the country. Prior to this, the validation mechanism for European patents had already been introduced in Georgia, ensuring their legal recognition within the country.