ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As Zimbabwe strives to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, embracing AI can be a game-changer.
However, it’s crucial to address the ethical, social and economic implications of AI for full maximisation of AI potential and safeguarding the work of the innovators and creating a sustainable market for AI. This drives us to the key issue of responsible AI governance in Zimbabwe, with a focus on the need for an AI-focused patent office.
AI governance: A critical component of responsible AI adoption
AI governance refers to the policies, regulations and institutions that shape the development, deployment and use of AI. Effective AI governance ensures AI adoption is ethical, inclusive and responsible, maximising benefits while minimising risks.
Like the government mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, inclusive AI that is tailor-made to suit and address our local challenges becomes key.
Zimbabwe must prioritise AI governance to harness the potential of AI and address its challenges. The greatest danger is that of implementing and utilising AI before establishing regulatory frameworks and guidelines.
There are numerous aspects of AI that need to be regulated and taken into consideration in coming up with AI regulatory frameworks.
Among these includes data protection and digital privacy concerns, cyber and digital security concerns, cybercrime, intellectual property rights, telecommunications and the satellite communication aspect as well as the academic and research aspect.
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Inasmuch as all these are critical, the focus for this discussion is on the intellectual property rights aspect.
The need for an AI-focused patent office
An AI-focused patent office is essential for promoting innovation and development in Zimbabwe’s AI ecosystem.
The current patent system can be slow and inefficient, deterring innovators and inventors from pursuing AI-related inventions.
Adding to an already strained system of patent registration and filing, can be a great hindrance to realising socio-economic benefits of AI.
An AI-focused patent office can provide expedited patent processing and protection, encouraging innovation and investment in AI.
Benefits of an AI-focused patent office
Encourages innovation: An AI-focused patent office can provide a clear and efficient process for patenting AI-related inventions, encouraging innovators to develop new AI applications. Creating a conducive environment for researchers and innovators is the first building block that ensures that these creatives can focus and work towards developing practical solutions.
Promotes investment: Expedited patent processing and protection can attract foreign investment, fostering collaboration between local and international stakeholders.
The best way to protect our national innovation interests in AI and attract more foreign direct investment into AI is to, therefore, develop an independent patent office that focuses primarily and solely on AI and AI-related innovations.
Supports economic growth: An AI-focused patent office can contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth by creating new industries, jobs and revenue streams. The opportunities that are presented by AI are numerous and endless.
While this is the case, it can only be realised if there is active consumption and development of local AI and AI-based services and products.
An independent patent office for AI which allows for the fast processing of AI related patents ensures a growing AI industry and consequently economy.
Ensures intellectual property (IP) rights: An AI-focused patent office can establish clear guidelines for patenting AI-related inventions, ensuring innovators are rewarded for their creativity and investment.
For as long as the protection of their IP is a tedious, strenuous and uncertain, innovators will prioritise partnering with external foreign companies and governments in jurisdictions that have a more expedient procedure.
Fosters collaboration: An AI-focused patent office can facilitate collaboration between academia, industry and government, driving innovation and development.
An independent AI patents office allows for efficient and more comprehensive guided technology transfer allowing for research and development to progress.
Education and research institutions can collaborate with government and the private sector for the advancement of the industry.
Legal framework: Zimbabwe’s legal framework must be updated to accommodate AI-related inventions, ensuring clarity and consistency.
International co-operation: Zimbabwe can leverage international co-operation, collaborating with foreign patent offices and organisations to share best practices and expertise.
Digital literacy: Zimbabwe must prioritise digital literacy, ensuring innovators and inventors have the necessary skills to develop and patent AI-related inventions.
Conclusion
A conclusive overview is that AI governance is critical for responsible AI adoption in Zimbabwe. An AI-focused patent office can promote innovation, investment and economic growth, while ensuring intellectual property rights and fostering collaboration.
Zimbabwe must prioritise capacity building, update its legal framework, leverage on international co-operation and prioritise digital literacy to establish an effective AI-focused patent office. By doing so, Zimbabwe can harness the benefits of AI and shape a brighter future for its citizens..
Tinetariro Blessing Mushoriwa is an emerging legal practitioner with Mushoriwa Moyo in Harare, with a burgeoning interest in the dynamic fields of intellectual property law, technology and AI law, digital and privacy rights law, and air and space law.
