International Workshop on Scaling Technologies through Inclusive IP Pools Held at ITU

ITU hosted the international workshop titled “From Innovation to Impact: Scaling Technologies through Inclusive IP Pools for LDCs and Crisis Response,” organized in collaboration with the Impact Licensing Initiative (ILI).

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) hosted the international workshop titled “From Innovation to Impact: Scaling Technologies through Inclusive IP Pools for LDCs and Crisis Response” to advance the transformation of technology into societal benefit. Co-organized by ILI and ITU, and enriched by contributions from the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries and TÜBİTAK, the workshop explored how technology transfer can be strengthened ethically, inclusively, and sustainably.

Our Rector appointed as a Member of the ILI Strategic Advisory Board

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal has been elected as a member of the Impact Licensing Initiative (ILI) Strategic Advisory Board. Drawing on his experience as the President of WAITRO and Chair of the Council of the Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Prof. Dr. Mandal stated that this role provides an opportunity to align his expertise with ILI’s vision.

As a member of the Strategic Advisory Board, he noted his goals of strengthening access to science and technology, deepening international collaborations, and advancing technology transfer processes through an impact-oriented approach. Inspired by ITU’s culture of being a responsibility- and impact-driven research university, Prof. Dr. Mandal emphasized that he will continue his efforts to promote next-generation innovation approaches that provide societal benefit and achieve global reach.

The link between knowledge generation and societal impact

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, who also serves on the Strategic Advisory Board of the Impact Licensing Initiative, delivered an opening presentation titled “The Need for Sustainable Technology Transfer for the UN SDG Goals and Humanitarian Disaster Response.” In his presentation, our Rector highlighted the link between knowledge generation in universities and societal impact, as well as the importance of sustainable technology transfer during crisis situations.

Prof. Dr. Mandal also addressed the opportunities that the Impact Licensing Initiative provides for enhancing global cooperation in his capacity as the Chair of the Council of the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries.

Productive discussions on crisis-critical technologies

Throughout the workshop, productive discussions were held on developing a new IP pool model for crisis-critical technologies, on mechanisms for transferring innovative solutions to Least Developed Countries, and on the ethical considerations that must guide this work.

Extending his appreciation to ILI General Manager Johan Moyersoen and the ILI team, Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal stated that ITU remains committed to strengthening international collaborations to ensure that the knowledge and technologies generated translate into meaningful societal value.