November 2023
In an era where intellectual property serves as the cornerstone of innovation, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) forged between the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) stands as a pivotal instrument.
The announcement was made in the presence of Professor Emilia Afonso Nhalevilo, President of SARIMA; Dr. Andrew Bailey, Past President of SARIMA; Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Acting Deputy Director-General of the South African Department of Science and Innovation and Mrs. Jetane Charsley, Head of the National Intellectual Property Management Office of South Africa.
The primary objective of this MoU is to elevate the management of intellectual property, with a broader aim of fortifying the national innovation ecosystem. Aligned in their commitment, both WIPO and SARIMA share a common vision – the promotion of intellectual property as a catalyst for fostering a knowledge-rich economy.
The collaboration between WIPO and SARIMA has borne fruit, as seen in initiatives like the On-the-Job Training program for tech transfer specialists from the South African Development Community region. This program has set a precedent for establishing a robust network for tech transfer cooperation within the SADC region.
The MoU is not merely a document; it represents a vision that outlines the joint goals of WIPO and SARIMA. These goals include raising awareness about the crucial role of intellectual property, introducing targeted training programs, facilitating information exchange, promoting tools and services, and actively fortifying the tech transfer network within the SADC region.
The signing of the MoU serves as a testament to the dedication of both WIPO and SARIMA to championing intellectual property rights, promoting innovation, and driving economic progress in the SADC region. It is a call to action, inviting all stakeholders to join hands in turning the vision outlined in the MoU into a reality.
The collaborative efforts between WIPO and SARIMA, as outlined in the signed MoU, represent a significant step toward fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and economic progress in the SADC region. As the agreement is set to come to life, the organizations express gratitude to everyone involved and look forward to the numerous successes anticipated in their shared future.
Marco M Alemán, Assistant Director General, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, WIPO
