International Conference on Creativity and Innovation 2025 

He served as a consultant to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Technology Access Pool from 2021 to 2023 and has testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Intellectual Property Subcommittee. From 2014 to 2015, he was a Thomas A. Edison Distinguished Scholar at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Professor Sarnoff is a registered patent attorney and private consultant. He has served as an expert witness and mediator in patent disputes and has submitted numerous amicus curiae briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on a wide range of subjects.

He is a member of the Advisory Board of the American Antitrust Institute and the Editorial Board of the UAEU Journal. His research and teaching focus on the intersections of domestic and international intellectual property law, environmental law, health law, administrative and constitutional law, and antitrust law.

Professor Sarnoff is the editor and a contributing author to the Research Handbook on Intellectual Property and Climate Change.

 

Prof. Kelvin Willoughby is Professor and Chairholder in the Stiftungsfonds Deutsche Bank Chair of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, in Leipzig, Germany. He is an expert in the strategic management of intellectual property, technology-based entrepreneurship, and strategic planning for technology-based industry development, and he has conducted a variety of studies, and produced numerous publications, in the above fields in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Russia. Willoughby has earned doctorates in both strategic management and technology studies, and a master of laws degree in intellectual property law.

In addition to his academic work Professor Willoughby is an international consultant and advisor to industry and government. Examples of his projects include: principle investigator in EU-funded innovation project on intellectual property and technology commercialization strategies for enhanced safety and environmental sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry; strategic assessment of bio-medical technology industry clusters in the United States; strategic management of intellectual property in the electronic, metals and automotive industries in Bavaria; the development of regional technology clusters in Germany; training for technology transfer for the US federal laboratories; the management of technology incubators; and innovation in the delivery of higher education (in Europe and the United States). He has extensive experience as a teacher and director of executive education programs in several countries, has been Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for Thailand, and has been elected Vice President for Technology Entrepreneurship of the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Willoughby’s practical business experience also includes being a founding member of an entrepreneurial digital media technology company in the United States.

Professor Willoughby’s previous formal academic affiliations have included: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow (Professor); Curtin University (Professor and MBA Director); University of Minnesota (Professor and Endowed Chair in Management of Technology); Technische Universität München, Visiting Professor in the Lehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsrecht und Geistiges Eigentum. He has also worked in a variety of academic and administrative roles at: Max-Planck-Institut für Geistiges Eigentum, Wettbewerbs- und Steuerrecht, the University of Minnesota, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, the University of Tokyo (RCAST), the University of Utah, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Westminster University, the University of Western Australia, the University of California at Berkeley, Mahidol University, and Columbia University in New York. He was a founding participant in Future 500 China and was also the Founding President of the Appropriate Technology Development Group, Inc., a not-for-profit organization involved in sustainable development and social entrepreneurship.

Christopher L. Tucci is Professor of Digital Strategy & Innovation at Imperial Business School, Interim Vice Dean of Education for the Business School, and Co-Director (Education) for I-X, Imperial's university-wide initiative on artificial intelligence. He was the Founding Dean of NEOM University's College of Business & Innovation.  Professor Tucci held the Chair in Corporate Strategy and Innovation from 2003-2020 at EPFL and was Dean of the College of Management there from 2013-2018. In 2018, he was Visiting Thought Leader at CEIBS in Shanghai, China.  He received the degrees of Ph.D. in Management from the Sloan School of Management, MIT; SM (Technology & Policy/EECS) from MIT; and BS (Mathematical Sciences), AB (Music), and MS (Computer Science) from Stanford University. He was an industrial computer scientist involved in developing Internet protocols and applying artificial intelligence tools in the 1980s. Professor Tucci teaches courses in Co-creation in AI & Robotics, Deep Tech Acceleration, Design Thinking, Digital Strategy, AI Ventures, and Innovation Management.
His primary area of interest is in how firms make transitions to new business models, technologies, and organizational forms. He also studies crowdsourcing, Internetworking, and digital innovations.  He has published articles in, among others, Academy of Management Review (AMR), SMJ, Management Science, Research Policy, Communications of the ACM, SEJ, Academy of Management Annals, and JPIM.  His article with Allan Afuah, “Crowdsourcing as solution to distant search,” won the Best Paper of 2012, Best Practice Implications Award of 2019, and the Decade Award of 2022 for AMR.  He has served in leadership positions in the Academy of Management and the Strategic Management Society and was recently elected to the Leadership Track of the Academy of Management (largest professional society in business academia), culminating in AOM President in 2027. 

Dr. Juanqiong Gou is a Professor at the School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, and serves as the Director of the Virtual Simulation Teaching & Experiment Center. She holds executive roles including Council Member of the China Information Economics Society and Committee Member of the International Collaborative Network Association. Her research focuses on digital transformation, intelligent collaborative networks, human–AI collaboration, data governance, and smart education. 

In recent years, Dr. Gou has led over 10 national and provincial-level research projects in China. She has been honored with three provincial/ministerial awards, published more than 40 academic papers, and secured 2 patents and 3 software copyrights. Since 2018, she has spearheaded the development of a human–AI collaborative business simulation platform. The related courses built upon this platform have been recognized as China’s first-class virtual simulation courses. Her work in this area has received several international accolades, including the QS Reimagine Education Award and the AACSB Innovation Award. Dr. Gou also maintains active collaboration with industry and international partners in the areas of digital transformation and Human–AI collaboration. 

Federico Munari is Full Professor of Technology and Innovation Management at the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, where he serves in the Department of Management (Dipartimento di Scienze Aziendali). His research expertise lies at the intersection of innovation management, intellectual property, technology transfer and entrepreneurial finance.

His research has been published in leading scientific journals including Research Policy, Journal of Business Venturing, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, Technological Forecasting & Social Change, Journal of Technology Transfer, Technovation and Industrial and Corporate Change. These studies investigate topics such as the commercialization of academic research, university technology transfer policy mixes, the relationship between venture capital and innovation, and the role of IP in entrepreneurial growth.

Prof. Munari has collaborated with different institutions and projects that shaped university–industry knowledge exchange across Europe. He coordinated the European Research Council’s expert assessment on how ERC-funded research influences major innovations (2022–2023) and previously served as Vice President of the ERC expert group evaluating the early impact of the Proof-of-Concept programme. He has led and collaborated on multi-institutional projects supported by the European Patent Office, the EU Intellectual Property Office, the European Investment Bank, the Horizon 2020 program, focusing on patent valuation, science valorisation, technology commercialisation and policies that stimulate academic entrepreneurship.

At Bologna Business School he is Industry Leader for the Global MBA in Supercars, Superbikes and Motorsport and Scientific Director of the Open Program in Technology and Innovation Management. Within the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna he is the Coordinator of the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Management Engineering and has long served on the PhD in Management’s scientific board, including a term as coordinator. He regularly teaches courses on innovation and project management at the School of Engineering of the Alma Mater Studiorum of the University of Bologna.

Dr. Saleh Al-Sharieh is the Director of Research and Sponsored Projects Office at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Dr. Al-Sharieh has over two decades of experience at the intersection of legal advising, innovation management, and academic research. His research focuses on innovation regulation, intellectual property law, data protection, and comparative law.

Dr. Xuanli Xie is Boya Young Scholar and Associate Professor at National School of Development, Peking University. She is also a Deputy Director of the Institute of Digital Finance, Peking University. She received her PhD in strategic management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her M.A. and B.A. from Peking University. Her research interests include innovation, entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and international business. Her papers have appeared in top tier Chinese and international journals such as Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing and Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. She teaches entrepreneurship and strategy courses to MBA, PhD and undergraduate students. 

Dr. Bong Hoon LEE is the Supervisory Patent Examiner and a legal expert in the Intellectual Property sector of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law.

He is also a certified Korean IP attorney.

Dr. Bong Hoon LEE has 20 years of experience in the field of patents and intellectual property administration, including substantive examination, developing examination guidelines, policymaking and legislation, and international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral fora such as IP5, WIPO working groups, one-on-one collaborations, and CEPA negotiations.

He has played a key role in formulating the UAE’s current Industrial Property Law and its implementing regulations, and he led the recent patent IT automation system development project.

Recently, he has also been actively involved in adopting AI within the UAE patent ecosystem, as part of various strategic initiatives of the Ministry.

Dr. Eunmi Sohn is the Senior Deputy Director at the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea (MOIP). With over 15 years of experience in trademark and design examination, she has led major international cooperation projects with WIPO, EUIPO, and ID5 countries. She also contributed to the amendment of the Design Protection Act to enhance Korea’s IP framework. Holding a Ph.D. in Design from Yonsei University, she will share how the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea has applied AI to trademark and design examination, offering its reflections on the evolving role of AI in IP administration. 

Mr. Ali Jazairy is the Senior Counsellor of the PCT International Cooperation Division, Patents and Technology Sector at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva. He is responsible for promoting the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), especially in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the Central European, Baltic and Mediterranean countries, as well as coordinator of special projects  (such as « PCT Curriculum for Gulf Countries », including participants from UAE). 

His areas of interest include artificial intelligence, open innovation, frugal innovation, technology transfer (including cross-border transfer and university-to-market transfer), PCT promotion strategies targeting global stakeholders, including under-represented users (SMEs, individuals, women and youth). 

Before joining WIPO, Mr. Jazairy also worked in the private sector for over a decade in the United States of America, where he was a designer and inventor of MEMS optical switches, fiber optic nano-sensors and new high-performance semiconductors based on carbon nanotubes in several startups in California (at the high-tech unicorn “Optical Micro Machines Inc.” in San Diego and at “Transparent Networks Inc.” in the Silicon Valley) and at Northrop Grumman Corp., the American aeronautics and aerospace giant.He was notably co-founder of a nanotechnology startup. 

Mr. Jazairy earned the degrees of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Applied and Engineering Physics and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering at Cornell University, New York. He is the author of 20 books and articles and holds 20 inventions. 

Mr. Taisuke Goto, originally from the Japan Patent Office (JPO), has assumed the role of JETRO Dubai’s IP Director and JPO’s IP Attaché for the Middle East and Africa in July 2024. 

Mr. Goto holds both a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering from Osaka University, Japan. He commenced his career at the JPO in 2009, where he held various roles as a Patent Examiner specializing in mechanical engineering field. In 2014, he became an Assistant Director in the International Policy Division, where he engaged in vital discussions surrounding substantive patent law harmonization. 

Furthering his expertise, Mr. Goto studied at Antonin Scalia Law School in the United States from 2016 to 2017, earning an LL.M. in Intellectual Property. 

Upon returning to the JPO in 2018, he was assigned to the Administrative Affairs Division within the Patent and Design Examination Department, focusing on policy planning for patent examination.  

Mr. Goto joined JETRO Headquarters as a Deputy Director in the Innovation and Intellectual Property Department in 2020, where he was responsible for facilitating cross-border business collaborations. He returned to the JPO in 2022 as a Patent Examiner and subsequently served as an Administrative Judge in the Trial and Appeal Department in 2023. 

Philip is currently the Assistant Provost for Research and Graduate studies at Zayed University. Since joining the university he has led the development of the research and graduate studies strategy which received approval in 2025. During his career he has been responsible for leading the development, and implementation, of institutional strategies in the core areas of research, innovation and impact; learning and teaching strategies, and faculty development to support organizational development to promote a high-performance culture.  

At a national level he has also been responsible for policy initiatives to support the economic development of the financial services sector in Ireland, UK and the UAE. Philip's personal research agenda investigates issues in corporate governance and finance, risk and information transmission in financial markets. His research agenda has produced a portfolio of peer-reviewed research in leading journals, book chapters and professional publications. He has consulted to the UK Government and major financial institutions in Ireland and led knowledge transfer initiatives to the investment management sector.

He holds  B.A., M.Sc. and a Ph.D. degrees in economics and finance, and also a graduate of the TRIUM global executive MBA awarded jointly by the London School of Economics, New York University and HEC Paris. He is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK and is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. 

Yuliya Tarabalka is the Vice President of Geospatial Solutions at Space42, where sheleads the development of cutting-edge geospatial intelligence platforms that aretransforming decision-making across governments, industries, and humanitarian sectors.​

She holds a European PhD from the Institut Polytechnique of Grenoble and the Universityof Iceland (2010), and an Habilitation to Direct Research (HdR) from the University Côted’Azur (2017), focused on AI-driven solutions for remote sensing imagery. Her researchjourney spans leading institutions including the Norwegian Defence ResearchEstablishment (FFI), NASA, CNES, and Inria, where she pioneered AI tools for thereconstruction and update of the Digital Earth.​

From 2019 to 2024, Yuliya served as Head of R&D at LuxCarta, where she led thedevelopment of automated cartography solutions and the creation of a Digital Earth Twin.She has co-authored over 150 international scientific publications, cited more than 11,000times. Yuliya has delivered over 500 hours of lectures at leading European universities andis internationally recognized for her contributions to geospatial AI.​

At Space42, Yuliya is driving the vision behind platforms like gIQ, which received theFuture Fit Seal Award in May 2025, and initiatives such as Map Africa, which areredefining how satellite data and AI can be used to build a smarter, safer, and moreequitable future. Her leadership is also shaping the next generation of Emirati talentthrough programs like the Space Academy – Earth Observation Training, developed inpartnership with the UAE Space Agency.​

As she looks ahead, Yuliya remains committed to harnessing space-based intelligence toaddress global challenges – ensuring that geospatial solutions not only supportsustainability and resilience, but also deliver a better future for each of us.​

Ayman Abbas is the Head of Research Process at ADNOC Research & Innovation Center, based in Abu Dhabi. In this role, Ayman oversees strategic research initiatives, ensuring alignment with ADNOC’s innovation and technology objectives.  

With a strong focus on collaboration, Ayman works closely with top experts and stakeholders, including Accademia, Technology Providers, and others, to advance ADNOC’s technological capabilities. Recent contributions include involvement in projects such as EOR, Sulfur Applications and AI integration in ADRIC operations, and initiatives aimed at optimizing internal processes and delivering impactful research outcomes. 

Ayman’s leadership emphasizes innovation, precision, and strategic alignment, making them a key contributor to ADNOC’s mission of leveraging technology for sustainable growth. 

Sami Bashir has over 20 years of experience in invention evaluation, research translation, and new technology deployment, both in industry and academia. Sami most recently served as a Director of the Technology Management & Innovation Office at Khalifa University of Science & Technology. During this period he also served as an Interim CEO of the Khalifa Innovation Center. 

Previously, Sami worked as the Director of the Technology Transfer Office in Masdar Institute of Technology (now Khalifa University of Science and Technology), where he was responsible for building technology transfer platforms and overseeing the commercialization of the IP portfolio. Prior to this, Sami worked as a Manager & Assistant Chief Licensing Officer in the Technology Transfer Office at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

Sami has authored different papers and publications in the field of university technology transfer, research commercialization, university-industry partnership, and building successful university entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems through nurturing of startups. His most recent publication is a chapter in a book titled “Higher Education in the Arab World – Building a Culture of Innovation & Entrepreneurship,” published by Springer Nature.

Sami holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry and MSc in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Central Lancashire, as well as a Master of Law (LLM) in Technology and Intellectual Property from the University of Liverpool.

Herbert Schmidt is a dynamic and results-driven Senior Business Development and Sales Leader based in Munich, Germany, with over 20 years of international experience spanning intellectual property, consulting, IT, and insurance. He is recognized for consistently exceeding sales targets, acquiring high-value clients, and driving sustainable market expansion. With a proven ability to engage C-level decision-makers, negotiate complex contracts, and lead teams under pressure, Herbert combines an entrepreneurial mindset with strong analytical acumen and a relentless drive to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.

Since 2019, Herbert has served as Senior Sales Business Development Manager and Frontline Sales Expert at the Dennemeyer Group, where he has been repeatedly recognized with Best Sales Performance Awards (2019–2024) for exceptional revenue achievements. Personally trained by Anthony Parinello in the Selling to VITO methodology, he applies executive-level sales strategies to secure multinational clients and navigate complex enterprise buying processes.

In 2024, Herbert founded Omega Consulting Group GmbH, a Munich-based firm specializing in sales enablement, frontline sales training, and business development strategy. As CEO, he leads initiatives that empower law firms and business leaders to strengthen client acquisition, sales leadership, and organizational growth through recruiting, outsourcing, and process optimization.

Earlier in his career, Herbert held senior roles at Effution GmbH, Cost Xpert AG, David Consulting Group, Allianz, and MR Datentechnik GmbH, where he successfully drove business growth, enhanced process efficiency, and expanded client portfolios across Europe and the United States. Before entering the private sector, he served in the German Armed Forces as a Master Sergeant in the Military Intelligence Service, where he led electronic surveillance operations during the Cold War era.

Herbert holds an MBA in IT Project Management from the Fachakademie für Wirtschaft München and professional certifications in Advanced Selling to VITO from VITO University, Vista, CA, and Certified Sales Professional from the Miller Heiman Group Academy.

Rasha is an intellectual property lawyer with extensive experience in the UAE and the broader Middle East region. She advises both local and international clients across a wide range of sectors, including FMCG, media, automotive manufacturing, real estate, electronics, technology, finance, and hospitality.

Rasha leads the IP Transactions practice within the IP department, handling due diligence in major corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and joint ventures. She has conducted numerous IP audits for clients, helping them identify their most valuable assets and develop strategies to protect and maximize their value. Additionally, she devises tailored IP strategies and assists clients in drafting and reviewing franchise, licensing, and other IP-related commercial agreements.

Rasha advises clients on trademark protection and has helped build and develop their brands by managing trademark portfolios and guiding on proper usage and enforcement of rights. With her extensive regional experience—particularly in handling IP disputes—she is well-equipped to identify gaps in protection and provide advice on best practices for creating enforceable agreements that ensure maximum IP protection.

As an experienced copyright lawyer, Rasha has advised numerous clients in the sports and media sectors on various aspects of copyright law, including rights acquisition, disputes, and anti-piracy efforts. She also assists clients in developing targeted campaigns to combat piracy. Recently, Rasha has developed an interest in AI-related copyright issues and has been advising clients on this evolving area of law.

In terms of enforcement, Rasha has extensive experience managing complex IP litigation cases, including cancellation and infringement matters before courts throughout the region. She has helped clients formulate strategies for taking action against serious infringers and major competitors. Rasha is also experienced in anti-counterfeiting, assisting clients with their anti-counterfeiting efforts in the UAE and developing regional strategies across the Middle East, including challenging jurisdictions like Iraq.

Rasha is an Executive Board Member of AIPPI UAE and an active member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), where she currently serves on the Brand and Innovations Committee and previously served on the Global Middle East Advisory Council. She has also been selected for several prestigious presidential task forces, including those on IP Reporting and DEI. Additionally, Rasha is a regular speaker at major events, both locally and internationally.

Rasha has been recognized by Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars, and repeatedly named a leading IP lawyer in the UAE by WTR1000. She has also been recognized as a key lawyer by Legal500 and AsiaIP.

Robert Peake is an intellectual property lawyer with over 15 years’ experience as a litigator in the UK and in Canada. His practice covers the intersection of intellectual property, technology, and regulation, including confidential information, data protection and cybersecurity, online safety, and artificial intelligence. Robert has a particular interest in emerging issues at the intersection of law and technology.

He completed his LLM at the London School of Economics, focussing on the liability of internet intermediaries for IP infringement, and returns regularly as a visiting practitioner. Robert has written and presented over many years on topics including artificial intelligence, data protection, and the enforcement of intellectual property rights online. 

Professor James S. Dzisah is an Associate Professor of Sociology and the Dean of the School of Education and Leadership at the College of Education, University of Ghana. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology from the University of Ghana (1999), a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada (2003), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada (2007).

Professor Dzisah has been a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Ghana since 2013. He has also taught at the Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada (2008–2010), and the Department of Sociology, Nipissing University, Canada (2010–2013). He served as Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Ghana from 2021 to 2023, and as Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) from 2016 to 2018.

His research interests span science and innovation, higher education and public policy, and the Triple Helix of university–industry–government linkages. Professor Dzisah has published extensively, including two co-edited books:

• Public Policy in Ghana: Conceptual and Practical Insights (Palgrave Macmillan Publishers, with Michael Kpessa-Whyte)

• The Age of Knowledge: The Dynamics of Universities, Knowledge and Societies (Brill Academic Publishers, with Henry Etzkowitz)

He has also authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in reputable academic outlets.

Ahmed Alosi has been a Research Consultant at the National Health Research Center at MOHAP since 2016. He also served as Research Program Manager at the National Research Foundation - Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Dr. Alosi holds a Ph.D. Chemistry from the University of Leicester- United Kingdom (1990) and has postdoctoral training at the University of Massachusetts UMass at Amherst, the USA, in 1990.