Dr. Abdelaziz Qansowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, held a meeting with Dr. Hesham Azmy, Head of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), to discuss ways of enhancing joint cooperation. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Qansowa emphasized the importance of integration and coordination between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, as a national entity that encompasses intellectual property offices of all types. He highlighted the state’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and to providing a supportive environment that strengthens their protection within state institutions, safeguarding the rights of authors and inventors.
The Minister pointed to the Ministry’s and universities’ commitment to encouraging researchers to engage in applied scientific research that can be transformed into tangible products contributing to the advancement of the national economy and enhancing competitiveness. This is achieved through raising awareness of the concepts of protecting creativity and innovation, while providing a stimulating research environment that fosters innovation, excellence, and creativity, thereby increasing the impact of research outputs and supporting the knowledge economy.
Dr. Qansowa further explained that the Ministry aims to bridge the gap between higher education outcomes and labor market needs, noting that academic programs are being continuously updated and aligned with future job requirements. This supports the competitiveness of graduates and equips them with the knowledge and competencies necessary to meet labor market demands.
For his part, Dr. Hesham Azmy reviewed the pillars of the National Intellectual Property Strategy (2022–2027), launched in September 2022, which is based on four main axes: governance of the institutional framework, development of the legislative environment for intellectual property, activation of the economic return of intellectual property to achieve sustainable development, and raising awareness among Egyptian society about intellectual property.
In this context, Dr. Azmy stressed the importance of the fourth pillar—raising public awareness of intellectual property—highlighting its role in promoting understanding of these concepts and motivating various segments of society to innovate, create, conduct research and development, and produce technology, culture, and arts, thereby contributing to economic, social, scientific, and cultural development.
The meeting also addressed mechanisms for enhancing coordination between the Authority and universities to organize awareness activities targeting students, researchers, and all members of the academic community, with plans to expand the implementation of such initiatives across universities nationwide.
Furthermore, the discussion covered legislative developments in the intellectual property and patent system, as well as the protection and support of innovation, with emphasis on the importance of institutional coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on matters of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended from the Ministry’s side by Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF); Dr. Walid El-Zawawy, Secretary of the Council of Research Centers, Institutes, and Authorities; Dr. Tamer Hamouda, Executive Director of the Fund for the Care of Innovators and Talented Individuals; and Eng. Marwa Alaa, Supervisor of Technical and Financial Follow-up for the STDF Program.
From the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, attendees included Dr. Mona Yehia, Deputy Head of the Authority; Counselor Shady El-Wakeel, Legal Advisor; Dr. Ahmed Hossam El-Din El-Sagheer, Assistant Head for Intellectual Property and Development; Ms. Nermeen El-Meligy, Head of the Central Administration for Intellectual Property Services; Dr. Rasha Gamal, Supervisor of the General Administration of Patents; and Mr. Hany Mohsen, Director General of the Head of Authority’s Office.
