― 19 Ekim 2026
The International Knowledge and Technology Transfer Leadership Summit, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and hosted by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), is taking place in Ankara on October 19–20, 2026. The Summit brings together technology transfer professionals from around the world, representatives of universities and research institutions, and key stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem.
The opening session was attended by Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of TÜRKPATENT; Prof. Dr. Habip Asan, Director of WIPO's Division for Transition and Developed Countries; and Stephen J. Susalka, CEO of AUTM.
In his opening remarks, TÜRKPATENT President Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak emphasized that protecting industrial property rights is a fundamental component of a strong innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of going beyond the registration of inventions to transform them into economic and societal value through technology transfer and commercialization. He also underlined the critical role of university–industry collaboration, partnerships with research institutions, and effective intellectual property management in this process.
Highlighting Türkiye's progress in industrial property and innovation, President Durak outlined TÜRKPATENT's initiatives to support technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of inventions. He also referred to joint projects implemented in cooperation with WIPO, particularly those aimed at commercializing intellectual property generated by universities and strengthening the IP management capacities of innovative SMEs and startups. He emphasized the contribution of international partnerships to the continued development of Türkiye's innovation ecosystem.
Over the two-day Summit, participants are exploring key topics including the transfer of university-generated knowledge and technologies to industry, the commercialization of research outcomes, effective intellectual property management, stronger university–industry collaboration, and international best practices in technology transfer.
