Balancing Innovation and Rights: ERRA Charts a Course for the Creative Economy

At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, the Emirates Reprographic Rights Association has convened policymakers, international experts and industry leaders to examine how technology, fair licensing and accessible publishing can flourish together.

The mechanics of a functioning creative economy rest upon an elegant equilibrium: the freedom to access knowledge, balanced against the rights of those who create it. This tension, both productive and delicate, formed the heart of a series of dialogues and workshops held during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, where the Emirates Reprographic Rights Association brought together officials, policymakers and experts to examine how copyright protection, technological innovation and accessible publishing might advance in concert.

On 3rd November, ERRA convened a high-level panel discussion titled “Creative Economy Dialogue”, which drew participation from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, and a constellation of international bodies including the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations, the UK’s Copyright Licensing Agency and the Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society. The conversation ranged across the evolving landscape of intellectual property in an age of artificial intelligence and technological transformation. Participants examined the challenges and opportunities these developments present for copyright protection, discussed international best practices for collective licensing and fair remuneration, and considered the economic significance of publishing as a sector requiring informed policy and investment decisions.

Beyond the formal discussions, ERRA co-organised two specialised workshops on accessible publishing in collaboration with Emirati and international organisations. The first, held on 2nd November at the Sharjah International Publishers Conference, explored the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty and the concept of born-accessible publishing, focusing particularly on expanding Arabic-language content for eligible beneficiaries. The second workshop, held on 5th November at the book fair itself, turned attention to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools for content conversion, and showcased the Accessible Books Consortium’s Global Book Service. Both sessions emphasised that technological innovation, legal frameworks and international cooperation must work in concert to expand access to knowledge while safeguarding the rights of authors and publishers. As we reported, Sharjah’s status as the world’s premier copyright marketplace has been reinforced through such professional engagement and dialogue.

The workshops highlighted several initiatives contributing to this broader vision. The International Authors Forum has been encouraging rights holders to make Arabic-language content more widely available, whilst the UAE has undertaken initiatives to produce accessible books. Kalimat Foundation has played a crucial role in making such publications accessible to those who need them.

Mohammed bin Dukhain Al Matroushi, Chairman of ERRA’s Board of Directors, articulated the philosophy underlying these efforts: expanding access to knowledge and protecting rights represent complementary pillars of a sustainable publishing industry. He stressed the necessity for clear frameworks governing the lawful use of copyrighted works and licensing practices that balance the needs of users with the interests of creators.

Majd Al Shehhi, Director of ERRA, described the association’s programme as an effort to translate professional dialogue into practical collaboration and improved practices. Through its exhibition stand at Expo Centre Sharjah, ERRA has been explaining collective licensing mechanisms and promoting the lawful use of copyrighted works in educational and professional settings.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The dialogue advanced at SIBF reflects a broader commitment within the UAE to cultivate a creative economy that respects intellectual property whilst expanding opportunity. The frameworks and practices discussed by international and Emirati experts provide a foundation for the region’s publishing industry to grow sustainably, attracting investment and talent whilst ensuring that creators and publishers are fairly remunerated for their work.

For Abu Dhabi and the UAE more broadly, these conversations underscore the importance of positioning the region as a destination for creative professionals and publishers. By establishing clear standards for copyright protection, supporting technological innovation in accessibility and fostering international partnerships, the emirates strengthen their standing as a hub for intellectual property and creative endeavour, creating an environment where knowledge can flourish and be shared equitably.

Source: WAM