Press Release

ADVANCED CAMBODIAN NATIONAL MODEL OF UNIVERSITY IP POLICY TO SUPPORT R&D AND INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

03 October 2025

Phnom Penh, 03 October 2025 – Cambodia is taking a major step toward strengthening its innovation ecosystem with the finalization of a National Model of University Intellectual Property (IP) Policy. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) has driven this initiative, aiming to empower universities to better manage and protect research outputs, driving technology transfer and economic growth.

Co-funded by the European Union (EU) through the CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project, the IP policy model was developed by UNIDO’s international IP experts and refined through training sessions with the Food Technology, Research, and Innovation Platform (FTRIP), a multi-stakeholder platform for academia, government, and industry.

“This model reflects our shared commitment to unlocking Cambodia’s innovation potential. It provides a clear framework for protecting university-generated IP and lays the groundwork for future prosperity driven by local talent,” said H.E. Dr. Hul Seingheng, Under Secretary of State, MISTI.

At a national consultation workshop today, stakeholders reviewed the draft policy, identified implementation challenges, and aligned it with Cambodia’s broader IP governance and innovation strategies. The policy is expected to enhance commercialization of academic research and foster stronger collaboration between universities, industry, and government.

“A robust IP framework empowers universities to become stronger partners in national R&D, ensuring public investments in research yield real socio-economic benefits through technology transfer and closer academia–industry–government collaboration,” noted Mr. Sok Narin, UNIDO Country Representative.

H.E. Ouk Prachea, Secretary of State, MoC, added, “A well-defined university IP policy is essential for valuing and protecting our scientific and creative outputs, and for cultivating a vibrant culture of innovation.”

The policy’s finalization marks a pivotal moment in Cambodia’s journey toward a more dynamic and sustainable R&D landscape.

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For more information about the project: http://newslettercapfish-postharvest.org/achieve