National Intellectual Property and Innovation Strategies

WIPO assists Member States in developing national intellectual property (IP) and related innovation strategies that support economic development, foster innovation and creativity, and strengthen the growth and dynamism of enterprises.

Through our work on National IP and Innovation Strategies (NIIS), we help countries use IP as a practical tool to strengthen their innovation and creative ecosystems, in line with their social, cultural and economic development goals and priorities.

We also support Member States in developing broader innovation strategies and related policies where IP is a key component, including in areas such as technology transfer, IP commercialization, creative industries, research and development, business support and other public policy priorities.

A national IP strategy is a practical roadmap to turn IP into growth, innovation and investment.

It brings together IP and innovation policy measures to guide the development of a country’s IP and innovation ecosystem in line with its social, cultural and economic development goals.

By nature, it is cross-cutting: it connects IP with a wide range of public policy areas to strengthen coherence and coordination across government law- and policy-making.

As innovation ecosystems evolve rapidly, countries need clear and coordinated strategies to ensure that ideas, research, creativity and technologies can generate economic and social value. A well-designed NIIS helps governments create better conditions for innovators, creators, entrepreneurs and businesses to develop, protect, manage and bring their ideas to market.

When well designed, a NIIS helps governments focus efforts, align actors, and turn priorities into results. The WIPO National IP and Innovation Strategy development framework can help:

  • Position IP as part of the country’s broader economic development and innovation agenda.
  • Identify the sectors, reforms, and actions that matter most.
  • Bring institutions and stakeholders together around a shared strategy.
  • Translate analysis and evidence into practical reforms, clear responsibilities, and measurable results.

WIPO provides tailored assistance throughout the development of national IP and innovation strategies, in support of the goals, needs and priorities of Member States. Based on its unique global experience and expertise, WIPO offers tailored support to Member States throughout the national IP strategy process, including:

  • methodological guidance
  • policy advice
  • data, analysis and analytical tools
  • good practices and comparative examples
  • support for stakeholder engagement and consultations
  • assistance in identifying priority areas and developing practical implementation plans with clear actions, responsibilities and timelines.

Where requested, WIPO also provides support for innovation strategies and related policies where IP is a key component.

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Development of national IP and innovation strategies

The WIPO Methodology for the Development of National Intellectual Property Strategies (2nd edition 2020) provides guidance for the preparation of national IP strategies.

This comprehensive reference guide includes tools, good practices, templates and other resources. WIPO is continuing to strengthen its tools and guidance to support evidence-based policy development, implementation planning, monitoring and follow-up.

Methodology for the development of national IP strategies

National IP and innovation strategies news

National Intellectual Property Strategies

WIPO assists developing and least developed countries (LDCs) to produce national intellectual property (IP) strategies that positively impact economic development, innovative and creative capacity, and the vitality of enterprises.

We draw on our unique global expertise to help countries develop their national IP strategies in line with their social, cultural and economic development goals and priorities.

A national IP strategy is a set of policy measures formulated and implemented by a government to improve its IP and innovation ecosystem in line with social, cultural and economic development goals.

It is cross-cutting by nature: it links IP with a wide range of public policy areas to enhance coherence and coordination in government law and policy-making.

A national IP strategy enhances a country’s ability to create, protect and disseminate economically valuable IP assets. It fosters an enabling environment to harness a country’s innovative and creative potential.

WIPO provides tailored assistance throughout the national IP strategy development process in support of the goals, needs and priorities of Member States. Based on our unique global expertise, WIPO offers policy advice, data and analysis, best practices and other customized guidance.

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IMAGE: ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / MELPOMENEM

Development of national IP strategies

As part of the Organization’s Development Agenda, the WIPO Methodology for the Development of National Intellectual Property Strategies (2nd edition 2020) provides guidance to those involved in the preparation of national IP strategies.

This comprehensive reference guide includes a range of tools and best practices, templates and other resources.

Methodology for the development of national IP strategies