Doha: Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council announced a new partnership with Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to empower Qatari small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through strategic intellectual property (IP) management and innovation. This collaboration aims to embed IP as a core business driver for the nation's entrepreneurs and innovators, marking a significant milestone in Qatar's innovation journey. The partnership was officially launched with the WIPO IP Management Clinics for Qatari SMEs - Introductory Webinar.
According to Qatar News Agency, Senior Intellectual Property Expert at QRDI Council Rosena Nhlabatsi stated that the partnership is a step forward in strengthening Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By equipping SMEs with tools and knowledge to strategically manage their intellectual property, the initiative seeks to enable them to unlock new opportunities for growth, funding, and global competitiveness. The collaboration with MoCI and WIPO aims to position IP as a cornerstone of innovation and economic diversification in Qatar.
Department Manager at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Abdulbasit Al Ajji, commented on the significant role of MoCI in disseminating the culture of intellectual property across all scientific and technological fields in Qatar. The ministry's support for initiatives like the Intellectual Property Management Clinic is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of IP protection and empowering innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into valuable economic assets. This initiative aligns with Qatar's commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy grounded in innovation and creativity.
For her part, Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer, IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector at WIPO, expressed pride in launching the Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC) in Qatar. The partnership with MoCI and QRDI is seen as a strong step in supporting Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By equipping SMEs with strategic IP tools and knowledge, the initiative aims to make IP a key driver of innovation, investment, and economic diversification in the country.
The partnership between QRDI Council, MoCI, and WIPO signifies the beginning of Qatar's first national initiative dedicated to helping SMEs strategically harness IP for growth, funding, and global competitiveness. By aligning with global IP standards and practices, the initiative is set to demonstrate new value across Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem.