The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced on Monday that the Chinese city of Shanghai, the British city of Liverpool, and the Belgian city of Charleroi were winners of the first WIPO City of Innovation award.
The WIPO City of Innovation award was launched in 2026 and is available to cities from all 194 member states of WIPO. It is awarded to cities that have demonstrated a commitment to developing innovation and creativity over the next year. Three laureates were selected from among fifteen finalists.
According to WIPO data, Shanghai's goal is to strengthen its status as an international center for science, technology, and intellectual property (IP), as well as to develop a broader culture of innovation and creativity. Among the city's stated commitments are expanding educational services and IP sectors, opening up data and innovation infrastructure, supporting cultural and creative industries, and strengthening ties between scientific research, industry, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Zhou Yamin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal Government, noted that this award is recognition from WIPO of Shanghai's achievements in innovative development and its efforts to create a thriving IP ecosystem. He added that it also reflects the international community's support for China's commitment to open innovation, mutual benefit, and common success.
The selection of winners was carried out by an independent international jury composed of authoritative experts in the fields of cultural and creative sectors, urban planning, community development, and innovation-driven growth. Andrea Dempster Chung, a member of the International Jury and co-founder and CEO of Kingston Creative, emphasized that Shanghai's application made an exceptional impression. She noted not only the strong research and development base the city already possessed but also the scale of its ambitions and the strength of its commitments.