UAEU Organizes International Conference on Creativity and Innovation to Address Intellectual Property Challenges in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

An International Platform for Foresight, Future Innovation, and Intellectual Property

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) hosted the International Conference on Creativity and Innovation, bringing together a distinguished group of experts, academics, and decision-makers from around the world to explore the future of innovation and intellectual property amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

The conference was held in the presence of H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU; H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the IP Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy & Tourism; and H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, along with leading specialists in technology, intellectual property, and innovation.

H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi emphasized that the conference reflects a deep belief in the power of ideas and the human capacity for imagination and future-building. He noted that creativity and innovation have always been central pillars of the UAE’s development and identity. “UAEU translates this vision by nurturing talent, supporting knowledge production, and building a global innovation system that contributes to qualitative solutions in clean energy, biotechnology, health, and artificial intelligence,” he said.

H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini highlighted UAEU’s pivotal role in promoting creativity and innovation as core drivers of national progress, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to the goals of ‘We the UAE 2031’. He outlined ongoing efforts to develop the intellectual property ecosystem through national strategies, patent-acceleration programs, and support for universities and entrepreneurs, alongside the adoption of AI technologies to enhance screening efficiency and speed up the innovation cycle. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation with global IP organizations and the role of education and youth programs in preparing an innovative generation capable of shaping the future. Innovation, he noted, is fundamental to building a knowledge-based society and achieving sustainable economic growth, while intellectual property provides the framework that protects and directs that innovation toward comprehensive development.

From Research and Knowledge to Market Impact

The first day’s activities began with a keynote lecture by Prof. Joshua Sarnoff of DePaul University, USA, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property, Ethical Uses, and Benefit–Cost Considerations.”

This was followed by a session on “Knowledge Creation and Appropriation: Pathways from Research to Market Impact”, featuring Prof. Kelvin Willoughby (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Germany), Prof. Federico Munari (University of Bologna, Italy), and Dr. Saleh Al-Sharia (UAEU). The panel explored strategies for commercializing university innovations and valuing research outputs.

A second session, “Collaborative Innovation Ecosystems: Aligning Academic Research and Industrial R&D,” brought together representatives from Zayed University, New York University Abu Dhabi, ADNOC, and SPACE42 to discuss strengthening research partnerships between universities and industry to accelerate innovation and advance technological sustainability.

Future Visions on AI and Leading Education

Day Two opened with a keynote lecture by Prof. Christopher L. Tucci of Imperial College London, titled “Surviving AI Disruption.” He examined approaches for balancing innovation with regulatory frameworks governing smart technologies.

A discussion session, “Cross-Border Perspectives on AI in the Intellectual Property Ecosystem,” featured speakers from South Korea, Japan, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the UAE Ministry of Economy. Participants reviewed international experiences in applying AI to trademark and patent examination.

This was followed by “Innovating Education & Inspiring Entrepreneurship,” a session that highlighted university initiatives from China and Ghana focused on developing digital entrepreneurship programs.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion titled “Legal Perspectives on Knowledge Creation and Transfer,” featuring experts from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the UAE. The session explored legal and regulatory frameworks that support the protection and transfer of innovation.