The Ministry of Commerce and Industry organized a roundtable discussion on Qatar’s National Intellectual Property Strategy at the Ministry’s headquarters, with the participation of members of the National Committee for the National Intellectual Property Strategy, representatives of the Technology and Innovation Support Centers network, intellectual property agents, the Qatar Lawyers Association, Qatar Development Bank, and two professors specializing in intellectual property from leading Korean universities.

Mr. Saleh Abdullah Al Mana, Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, opened the roundtable by emphasizing the importance of developing an integrated national intellectual property strategy that supports the innovation ecosystem and strengthens the knowledge-based economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. He also highlighted Qatar’s progress in digital transformation and digital inclusion, which provides a supportive environment for creativity and innovation.

He explained that the Ministry, in cooperation with relevant national entities and international partners, is working to develop the National Intellectual Property Strategy by drawing on international best practices. The strategy aims to build an integrated national ecosystem that supports the innovation cycle, from ideas, research, and development to protection, commercialization, and the creation of economic value, while also strengthening Qatar’s position in the Global Innovation Index.

For his part, Eng. Omar Ali Al Ansari, Secretary General of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, affirmed that the National Intellectual Property Strategy provides an important framework for translating the State’s efforts in research, development, and innovation into coordinated national action. He noted that the strategy helps align efforts behind a shared vision aimed at building an innovation ecosystem that does not only produce ideas, but also turns them into tangible economic and social impact. He added that the success of the strategy will be measured by its ability to increase intellectual property outputs, empower innovators and institutions, and build partnerships that create tangible value for the economy and society.

In turn, Mr. Abdulbasit Talib Al Ajji, Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, noted that the outcomes and recommendations of the meeting will support the development of the National Intellectual Property Strategy. He added that this will enhance Qatar’s international competitiveness, support sustainable economic diversification, and align with the State’s vision of building an economy based on innovation and knowledge.

The roundtable aimed to raise stakeholders’ awareness of the importance of intellectual property and its role in supporting economic development, strengthen cooperation among relevant entities, and gather views and recommendations that contribute to the development and implementation of the National Intellectual Property Strategy in line with international best practices.

It featured a number of presentations on the relationship between intellectual property and economic development, the experiences of Qatar and Korea in growth and innovation, and the opportunities available to develop Qatar’s intellectual property ecosystem.

Participants also discussed the strategic role of intellectual property in stimulating innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, and attracting high-quality investments. They emphasized the importance of viewing intellectual property as a strategic asset that contributes to creating added value and supporting sustainable development, in addition to its role in protecting rights.

The discussion also reviewed prospects for developing Qatar’s intellectual property ecosystem in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, contributing to strengthening the knowledge-based economy and consolidating Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation.