Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Monday, July 14, called on innovation leaders, investors, and policymakers to push for stronger commercialization of intellectual property (IP) assets and ensure science-based solutions contribute to environmental sustainability.

During the kickoff of PHILIPPiNEXT: The 1st International Conference and Exposition on Innovations (ICE on I), Solidum underscored the event’s role in advancing both IP commercialization and climate-focused innovation. 

“This year’s Conference theme, ‘Commercialization of Intellectual Property Assets,’ anchors its discussions on turning innovations into real-world solutions by unlocking the market potential of Intellectual Properties,” Solidum said. 

“Together, we aim to bridge the gap between invention and application and to enable mechanisms that foster a successful transition from ideation to market-driven commercialization.”

Solidum cited the Philippines’ recognition as an “innovation overperformer” in the 2024 Global Innovation Index and said the country is actively closing the gap between research and market readiness through initiatives such as the Startup Act, the Philippine Innovation Act, and funding programs that offer zero-interest loans to startups and research institutions.

He noted that IP filings across Asia accounted for 70 percent of global applications in 2023, underscoring the region’s leadership in innovation. 

Of the total, he said patent filings reached 2.44 million, about 68.7 percent of the world’s applications.

“While we continue to emphasize the importance of Intellectual Property registration and protection, equal focus must be placed on IP commercialization—the crucial step in translating innovation into real-world value,” Solidum stated.

The DOST, through its PROPEL and SPICE programs, has helped Filipino researchers and startups showcase technologies in international forums such as the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.

However, Solidum acknowledged that commercialization efforts must not ignore the climate crisis.

“In our pursuit of growth and economic value, nature often bears the cost,” he said. 

“It is in this context that we are called to pause, rethink, and realign our strategies, ensuring that the path to commercialization does not come at the expense of our environment,” he added.

The DOST chief stressed the need to “innovate for the climate,” pointing to rising global temperatures and the disappearance of natural habitats as urgent signals for science to lead the charge in sustainability.

Patent filings for renewable energy technologies like solar and wind are nearing 45,000 globally, and electric vehicles now account for 18 percent of worldwide car sales, Solidum noted. 

He also pointed to the rise of social enterprises, an estimated 10 to 11 million globally, using IP to address poverty, climate, and inclusion challenges.

Still, he said innovators face hurdles such as limited IP valuation, lack of legal frameworks, and inadequate financing.

“There is also an urgent call for science, technology, and innovation systems to mobilize governments in funding universities and public research organizations and provide research and development support to companies,” said Solidum.

He urged participants of PHILIPPiNEXT to engage in policy discussions on IP incentives, innovation financing, and climate technology diffusion.

“Collaboration has to have a shared mission and goal,” he said.

“We must diligently push for better mechanisms and policies to protect and propel our IPs to broader markets as we continue to lobby for more proactive climate initiatives for our common home.”