The GTIPA summit in South Korea, held in October 2022, served as a platform for exchange between experts on trade, globalization, innovation, and intellectual property policy, as well as leaders from South Korea’s business, academic, and policy-making communities. The summit cantered on strengthening strategic alliances and addressing global challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between South Korea and GTIPA member countries, particularly in the realms of industrial and innovation policies. Members presented research on how strategic alliances could be leveraged to overcome economic challenges and foster mutual growth.

A significant part of the summit was dedicated to the issue of clean energy, with participants discussing the urgent need for economies to transition to environmentally friendly systems. Research on affordable renewable energy solutions was presented as a crucial element for achieving a successful green transition.

Another key topic was Korea’s innovation and entrepreneurship environment. The summit featured presentations by startup CEOs who shared insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local startup ecosystem. This led to an open discussion on fostering innovation and improving the entrepreneurial landscape.

Finally, the summit addressed the broader challenges posed by the Great Transition—a shift toward more sustainable and digital economies. GTIPA members discussed the need for recalibrating industrial, innovation, and trade policies to navigate this transition, offering policy recommendations to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

CRPM participated with its representatives on this summit.

In the publication Strengthening Global Cooperation for Industrial Innovation in the Era of the Great Transition, issued by the National Research Council for Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) contributed a paper that explores the relationship between Macedonia and South Korea. The paper provides an overview of the economic and trade linkages between the two countries, emphasizing the potential to strengthen and deepen their strategic alliances and trade relations, particularly through Korean investments in the clean energy and AI sectors.

The first section of the paper outlines the reasons behind the growing interest in deepening ties between Macedonia and South Korea. It then proceeds with a detailed analysis of trade between the two nations, examining both the trade volumes and sectoral breakdowns.

The paper also highlights strategic opportunities for South Korea to further its economic presence in Southeast Europe. It proposes that investments in Macedonia’s clean energy and AI sectors could serve as a pathway for South Korea’s broader expansion in the region. The analysis underscores the mutual benefits of such investments and the potential for fostering stronger economic ties.

The paper concludes by summarizing the key findings and recommendations, offering insights into how these investments could serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation between Macedonia and South Korea, contributing to regional growth and innovation.

In 2023, the GTIPA Summit held in Berlin with support by the German Economic Institute. CRPM participated actively on the panels and discussions emphasizing the importance for the SEE countries to undertake policies that will bolster innovation and drive economic growth. One of the topics discussed by CRPM was investing in education and skill development, recognizing the region’s strong technical education institutions and the higher representation of women in STEM, which can help retain young talent and reduce emigration. What is also needed is support in building culture of innovation, particular in countries with historical ties to the post-Soviet systems.

As part of the “State of Play” series on Poland’s economic cooperation with non-EU countries, CRPM, in collaboration with the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, contributed to a comprehensive policy paper exploring the potential for Polish companies to expand in Macedonia. The publication offers a detailed analysis of the Macedonian economy, highlighting its unique characteristics, current economic relations between the two nations, and the most promising sectors for cooperation.

The paper delves into opportunities for Polish businesses to advance their activities in Macedonia, identifying key areas for expansion and emphasizing the importance of institutional support from the host country. It provides valuable insights from both Macedonian and Polish perspectives, with Macedonian authors offering an in-depth look at the states. This collaborative effort aims to identify pathways for deeper economic ties and mutual growth between Poland and Macedonia.

CRPM participated in the GTIPA Summit held in India in November 2024. This year’s summit focused on India’s emergence as a global innovation hub, highlighting topics such as the future of semiconductors, sustainable development, women entrepreneurship, innovation in life sciences and healthcare delivery, and intellectual property policies.

A key theme of the summit was India’s journey toward becoming an economic power and the importance of fostering open collaboration, innovation, and creating employment opportunities for its growing workforce. Discussions emphasized how technological advancements are essential for driving sustainable growth and how strategic investments in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy can position India as a global leader. The summit underscored the need for policies that encourage technology adoption and global competition to foster innovation and development.

One of the standout sessions explored the future of semiconductors and India’s increasing significance in the global semiconductor industry. Speakers from the country examined the strengths in design capabilities and its challenges in establishing local production facilities. Recent initiatives, such as the India Semiconductor Mission, aim to address these gaps by building fabrication facilities and creating a robust supply ecosystem. The discussion also highlighted India’s potential to become a global semiconductor hub by leveraging its talent pool and strategic investments in research, development, and specialized training.

Another session provided insights on innovation systems, with discussions centred around essential components such as capital, talent, and knowledge. Participants emphasized the transformative power of innovation and the importance of building capacities to adapt to evolving challenges. The conversations also touched upon artificial intelligence, exploring its potential and the regulatory approaches needed to maximize its value while addressing ethical and governance concerns. The GTIPA Summit 2024 showcased India’s strides in technology and innovation, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue on global challenges and opportunities. CRPM’s involvement reflects its commitment to engaging in forward-thinking discussions that promote collaboration and drive progress in innovation and economic development.