The Evolution of Innovation: Celebrating 49 Years of Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions

Описание: In a candid interview with the Geneva Times, Jean-Luc Vincent, the founder and President of Invention Geneva, reflects on the nearly half-century legacy of the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. Held annually at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, this year marks the 49th iteration of the event, a milestone that precedes what promises to be a grand golden jubilee next year.

Founded in 1972 by Vincent, the exhibition began as a bold venture, one that many doubted due to its focus on inventors and their innovations. "When I founded this exhibition, people told me that an exhibition with inventors and inventions would never work—that it’s not possible, it’s not serious," Vincent shared with correspondent Saifideen Zahran. Despite the skepticism, the exhibition has flourished, evolving from a small gathering of private inventors to a global nexus that attracts enterprises and universities from across the world, including Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The transformation over nearly five decades is not just in the scale but also in the nature of participation. Initially a showcase for individual inventors, it has become a critical platform for academic institutions and large companies to display their latest innovations. This evolution reflects a broader shift in how new inventions are brought to the market and the growing importance of collaborative efforts in the innovation ecosystem.

Vincent highlights the importance of the human element in the commercialization process. "The most important thing is that the exhibitors are happy because they come here to try to commercialize their inventions, which means to find manufacturers, distributors, and investors," he explained. According to Vincent, an impressive 30 to 40% of inventions showcased at the exhibition are commercialized further after their debut, a testament to the event's effectiveness as a launchpad for new ideas.

Contrary to the naysayers who believed the internet would replace the need for physical exhibitions, Vincent argues that the success of the event underscores the necessity of in-person interactions. "To commercialize an invention, we have to know the invention of course, but we also should know the inventor. It's the dialogue, which is the human side, and that’s how we come to such success," he stated.

As Invention Geneva gears up for its 50th year, the focus remains on enhancing the connections between inventors and the global market, ensuring that the exhibition continues to be a pivotal point for innovation and enterprise in the years to come. The journey of Jean-Luc Vincent and his steadfast belief in the potential of inventors not only highlights the power of perseverance but also the dynamic nature of innovation itself.

The interview was conducted by Sarifudeen Zahran - Geneva Times Correspondent