Georgia highlights role of patents in linking research to innovation, Minister

Georgia is strengthening its innovation ecosystem by focusing on the role of patents in turning research into economic value, Education, Science and Youth Minister Givi Mikhanadze said on Monday.

Speaking at an international conference titled From Research to Results – the Role of Patents in Technology Transfer, Mikhanadze said the country’s policy priorities are aimed at ensuring that knowledge is effectively transformed into innovation and then into real economic output.

He stressed that education, science, research and innovation form an interconnected system, where intellectual property plays a key role in enabling development and practical application.

Mikhanadze said patents acted as a “bridge” between research and the market, and noted that this approach was reflected in Georgia’s national education and science strategy for 2022–2030.

The event, opened by Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani, also featured contributions from European Patent Office President António Campinos, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Nino Tsilosani, and Head of Sakpatenti Soso Giorgadze.

Participants discussed the role of universities and research centres in innovation, mechanisms for technology transfer, and the importance of patents as legal tools for protecting intellectual property.