Cairo, the bustling capital city of Egypt, has recently been recognized for its significant contributions to the field of science and technology. In a groundbreaking achievement, Cairo has secured the 95th position among the top 100 science and technology clusters in the 2024 Global Innovation Index, as announced by Dr. Hesham Azmy, Chairman of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority.
This prestigious ranking places Cairo as the only cluster in North Africa to make the list, according to the „Science and Technology Clusters“ report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The recognition highlights the city’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and technological advancement in the region.
Dr. Azmy emphasized that this achievement is a testament to the continuous efforts made by Egypt’s institutions and bodies involved in innovation and technology. It reflects the commitment to enhancing performance and maximizing strengths in the field of science and technology. The exceptional coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egyptians Abroad, the Permanent Mission in Geneva, and WIPO has played a crucial role in this success.
The report revealed some impressive statistics showcasing Cairo’s innovation prowess. From 2019 to 2023, research institutions, innovators, and inventors in Cairo filed 166 patent applications with WIPO under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, with 18% of these related to medical technologies. Additionally, 18% of the total patents were co-authored with inventors from prominent global innovation hubs like Boston, Cambridge, and Montreal. Moreover, nearly 23,000 scientific articles were published in Cairo from 2018 to 2022, with 22% focusing on chemistry.
The „Science and Technology Clusters“ index is a vital component of the annual Global Innovation Index published by WIPO. It analyzes patent activity under the international patent system managed by WIPO, scientific article publication rates, and the documentation of geographic areas with the highest concentration of inventors worldwide.
Egypt’s collaboration with WIPO has significantly advanced in recent years, with a particular highlight being the visit of WIPO Director General Daren Tang to Cairo in September 2022. During the visit, Tang met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and participated in the launch of the National Intellectual Property Strategy, further solidifying the partnership between Egypt and WIPO.
The cooperation between Egypt and WIPO covers various areas aimed at supporting the intellectual property system in the country, enhancing innovation and technology, and driving economic growth and sustainable development. This collaboration also includes support for the recently established Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, further cementing Cairo’s position as a leading science and technology cluster on the global stage.
In conclusion, Cairo’s ranking among the top 100 global science and technology clusters by WIPO is a testament to the city’s growing influence in the field of innovation. With a strong focus on research, patent filings, and scientific publications, Cairo is poised to continue its trajectory as a key player in the global innovation landscape.
