Modify global innovation index methodology: India

NEW DELHI: India today made a case for modifying the methodology for calculating the Global Innovation Index (GII) so that it reflects the conditions existing in developing nations.

The issue, among others, was discussed during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Director General Francis Gurry here.

"It was discussed that the methodology of calculating GII also needs to be studied and changed, as appropriate. The parameters should be reflective of the needs and conditions existing in developing nations," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the GII 2016 report, India's rank improved to 66 from 81 last year, a jump of 15 places.

'GII 2016: Winning with Global Innovation' was the result of a collaboration between Cornell University, INSEAD and the WIPO as co-publishers, and their knowledge partners.

Sitharaman also told Gurry that WIPO should have an external office in India, which will be in the best interest of both the organisation and the global IP regime.

India has already submitted a formal proposal in this regard, and is ready to offer free-of-cost premises for opening the office.

To spur an innovative ecosystem across the country, it was proposed that states be ranked on a similar basis. India has requested WIPO to undertake this study, the statement said, adding that WIPO DG has agreed to examine this request.

WIPO and the Indian Patent Office are co-operating in training of various IP examiners and other stakeholders, it added.

To this end, an international training course is being organised in RGNIIPM jointly with WIPO Academy in September.

India has also requested WIPO to consider opening a regional training academy in Nagpur.

Both parties also agreed to organise a conference in May, 2017.

The Commerce Minister also announced setting up of a taskforce on innovation, which would suggest new ideas on best way forward in inculcating an innovative temperament in the country.