To commemorate the World Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Day, the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Sindh HEC and Hassan Shaikh & Company jointly hosted an event titled, “Innovation Landscape of Pakistan: What Next?” Held on April 24, 2025, the event brought together policymakers, academic leaders, industry experts, and students to discuss Pakistan’s innovation potential through data-driven insights.
Mr. Talib Karim, President of IoBM, highlighted the challenges in meeting certain benchmarks on the ORIC scorecard, emphasizing the need for strategic focus. "We must identify disciplines—particularly in science and engineering—where commercialization opportunities are most viable and industry collaboration can be fostered," he noted. He further stressed the critical role of faculty members, urging them to persist in their research endeavors.
Dr. Seema Ansari, Director of ORIC at IoBM, emphasized that World IP Day serves as a powerful reminder of IP's crucial role in driving innovation and commercialization. She added that we must safeguard the rights of entrepreneurs and creators within academic institutions, where innovation begins. She said that knowledge, when protected and shared ethically, has the power to transform societies.
Mr. Saleemuddin, Director of Quality Assurance at Sindh HEC, shared an overview of key initiatives undertaken by Sindh HEC that are adding significant value to Pakistan's academic sector. "Commercialization remains a critical area requiring focused development and strengthening," Mr. Saleemuddin emphasized. He called for building stronger alignment between academia and industry for a brighter future.
Dr. Owais H. Shaikh's presentation provided a comprehensive analysis of patent data, shedding light on the current state of Pakistan's innovation ecosystem in universities. He stressed the significance of ORIC scorecards in tracking institutional performance "While only 13 Pakistani patent applications were filed in 2001, this number grew significantly to 481 by 2004." However, he noted a concerning 50% decline in foreign patent applications during this period, underscoring the need for stronger international engagement in Pakistan's innovation landscape.
A panel discussion featured speakers including Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector, IoBM; Mrs. Zubia Hassan, Ex-Acting Controller of Patents, IPO-Pakistan; Mr. Hashim Anhar, Convenor, IPR and Enforcement Committee, FPCCI; Dr. Saeeda Nadir Ali, Associate Professor NED University; Mr. Saleemuddin, and Mr. Kashif Shafi, Executive Director, OICCI.
The panel discussion emphasized the critical need for a data-driven approach to strengthen Pakistan's innovation ecosystem. Panelists underscored how institutional mechanisms like ORIC departments across universities can serve as vital connectors between research and practical application. A strong consensus emerged that while Pakistan possesses significant untapped innovative potential, realizing this potential requires coordinated implementation of reforms across policy, institutional, and partnership dimensions. The discussion ultimately reinforced that ecosystem-wide collaboration remains fundamental to transforming research into economic growth and maintaining momentum in Pakistan's innovation landscape.