A strategic framework, developed with the support of WIPO, to further protect and leverage university research output
Algiers, February 26, 2026
The National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy Model for Algerian universities and other higher education institutions, developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was officially unveiled on February 26, 2026, in Algiers. Kamel Baddari, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by Mohamed Saleck Ahmed Ethmane, Director of the WIPO Algeria Office. This initiative marks a strategic step forward in protecting and leveraging university research output in the country.
A groundbreaking framework to stimulate innovation
Mr. Baddari said that the policy model formed part of the Algerian authorities’ long-term development vision. Its aim was “to better protect creativity, encourage innovation and turn knowledge into economic value”. The unified framework would enable universities to better organize and legally protect their research activities, and provide a structure for the rights and obligations of researchers and research institutions.
Mr. Baddari emphasized that the mechanism was a key to transforming scientific ideas, research and discoveries into innovations that could contribute to economic growth. Universities had a central role to play as a driver of development and competitiveness for the national economy.
Closer cooperation with WIPO
Mr. Ahmed Ethmane commended Algeria on its efforts to strengthen the innovation and creativity ecosystem and noted that, as the first Arab and African country to host a WIPO external office, it had a special status in the Organization.
Noting the role of universities as knowledge hubs, he said that the new policy model was based on international best practices and took into account national circumstances. That would enable higher education institutions to manage their intellectual assets effectively, maximize the commercial potential of scientific research output, and ensure efficient technology transfer between universities and industry and society in general.
Objectives and expected results
The aim of the framework is, in particular, to:
- Provide a structured legal framework to protect inventions, creations and innovations
- Encourage universities to transform research into marketable intellectual assets
- Strengthen partnerships between research institutions and industry
- Promote a culture of innovation and research-based entrepreneurship
The national policy model forms part of a broader drive to modernize the Algerian university system and position it as a key player in economic and technological development.
WIPO support for the policy model
WIPO support is strategically vital for universities in implementing the policy. Through programs that provide access to scientific literature and technological information, WIPO enables higher education institutions to consult international patent, scientific and technical databases. That, in turn, helps them to monitor the latest technological developments and state of the art. Those tools help researchers to innovate, avoid duplication of work and support the conduct of research projects aligned with international IP standards.
A showcase for university innovation
On the occasion of the policy model launch, an exhibition on university inventors was held to highlight innovative projects from the laboratories and incubators of Algerian higher education institutions. That technology showcase gave researchers and project leaders an opportunity to present their prototypes and solutions in a variety of fields, providing concrete examples of ways to leverage academic research. The event also provided a platform for exchanges between institutional and economic partners in attendance, and highlighted the importance of a structured IP framework to protect innovations and support their market deployment.