(297a) A Case Study in International Innovation and IP Respect: The Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership (UQEP)

The Utah-Qinghai EcoPartnership (UQEP) represents a unique collaboration between the United States and China in which intellectual property from Utah institutions is being licensed and commercialized in China to solve major environmental problems. Based on carefully nurtured trust, UQEP is  sponsored by the U.S. State Department and China’s National Development and Reform Commission, and is operating successfully not just in Qinghai Province but in several other parts of China in need of environmental remediation and progress.

UQEP illustrates the success that can occur with mutual respect for intellectual property rights and the well-being of partners. It is a powerful example of successful open innovation and rapid commercialization through partnerships. There are many lessons that can be gleaned regarding international innovation and collaboration.

UQEP is a sub-national organization formed for the purpose of building relationships between science, government and industry, protecting intellectual property and developing green technologies.  In all, approximately 30 EcoPartnerships have been inducted into the program, with the EcoPartnership designation being awarded to organizations that have demonstrated proficiency in addressing and resolving world ecological challenges.