IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department
The IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department is dedicated to advancing inclusive innovation through international collaboration, entrepreneurship, education, commercialization, and community-driven initiatives. Established by the IFIA Executive Committee, the department serves as a global platform connecting inventors, innovators, governments, universities, industry, and civil society to create sustainable social and economic impact.
About the Department
The IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department was established by the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) to strengthen the role of innovation in addressing social challenges and promoting sustainable development through global collaboration.
The department serves as an international platform that empowers inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, educational institutions, governments, and community organizations to develop innovative solutions that improve lives and create lasting social and economic impact. By fostering inclusive innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and facilitating knowledge exchange, the department bridges the gap between creative ideas and real-world implementation.
Operating within IFIA’s global network, the department promotes innovation as a catalyst for positive change by encouraging collaboration across sectors, expanding access to innovation opportunities, and supporting initiatives that contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Through strategic partnerships, educational programs, international events, innovation access initiatives, and community-driven projects, the department aims to create an environment where every innovator has the opportunity to contribute to solving local and global challenges.
The department is built upon the principles of inclusion, collaboration, sustainability, entrepreneurship, knowledge sharing, and innovation excellence. It works to ensure that innovation is accessible to everyone, regardless of background, geography, gender, age, or ability, while encouraging responsible innovation that delivers measurable benefits for society.
By connecting local innovation ecosystems with IFIA’s international network, the department supports the commercialization of ideas, capacity building, global partnerships, and long-term community development. It also contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting innovation-driven solutions that improve quality of life, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen social cohesion.
As IFIA continues to expand its international impact, the Social Innovation & Community Development Department represents a strategic commitment to ensuring that innovation is not only a driver of technological advancement but also a powerful force for building inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous communities around the world.
Department Mission
The mission of the IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department is to promote innovation as a catalyst for positive social transformation by empowering inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, educational institutions, governments, and communities to develop sustainable solutions that improve lives.
The department is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for innovation through education, mentorship, commercialization support, international cooperation, and community engagement. By connecting innovators with global networks, strategic partners, and practical resources, the department seeks to transform creative ideas into measurable social and economic impact.
Department Vision
Department vision is to become the world’s leading international platform for social innovation, where inventors and innovators from every region collaborate to address global challenges through creativity, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
We envision a future in which innovation is accessible to everyone and contributes to stronger communities, inclusive economic growth, and a better quality of life for people around the world.
Department Strategic Pillars
Social Innovation
Supporting innovative solutions that improve healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, accessibility, public services, and community well-being through collaborative innovation.
Inventor Development
Providing education, mentoring, innovation management, intellectual property awareness, commercialization guidance, and international networking opportunities for inventors at every stage of development.
Community & Economic Development
Strengthening local innovation ecosystems by supporting entrepreneurship, employment creation, startup development, and innovation-driven economic growth.
Innovation Access Programs
Expanding participation in innovation by supporting women, youth, persons with disabilities, newcomers, Indigenous communities, and other underrepresented groups through inclusive innovation initiatives.
Events & Global Networking
Organizing international conferences, innovation forums, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and networking events that connect innovators with governments, investors, universities, and industry leaders.
Department Programs
The department develops and supports a diverse portfolio of international programs designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems and maximize social impact.
Programs include:
- Inclusive Innovation Programs
- Community Innovation Projects
- Startup Development
- Innovation Bootcamps
- Innovation Leadership Training
- Inventor Mentorship
- Intellectual Property Awareness
- Technology Commercialization
- Youth Innovation Programs
- Women in Innovation Initiatives
- International Innovation Challenges
- Capacity Building Workshops
IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department
Message from the Director
Welcome to the IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department.
Innovation has the power to create lasting social impact when it brings people, ideas, and communities together. Our mission is to support inclusive innovation by empowering inventors, entrepreneurs, and organizations to develop solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities worldwide.
Through international collaboration, education, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to building opportunities that transform creative ideas into meaningful social and economic progress.
I warmly invite innovators, institutions, and partners from around the world to join us in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future.
Babak Khodaparast
Director
IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department
The IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department was officially established in June 2026 following its approval by the 52nd IFIA Executive Committee Meeting. The department was created to advance inclusive innovation, strengthen community development, and foster international collaboration by supporting inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and organizations in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable social and economic impact.
Under the leadership of Mr. Babak Khodaparast, the department promotes innovation through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, commercialization, community engagement, and global partnerships, while expanding access to innovation opportunities for diverse communities around the world.
Contact:
E-mail: president@fici.ca
IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department
Definition
The IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department is an official working body of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), established in June 2026 following approval by the 52nd IFIA Executive Committee. The Department promotes social innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship, community development, and international collaboration across the IFIA global network.
The Department operates under the authority of the IFIA President and the supervision of the Executive Committee (ExCo). It implements approved initiatives, develops new programs, and reports directly to the President.
Scope
The Department serves all IFIA member countries, fostering global cooperation among inventors, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, governments, and innovation organizations to create sustainable social and economic impact.
Functions and Activities
The Department:
- Promotes social innovation and community development.
- Supports inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups through education, mentorship, and international collaboration.
- Develops Innovation Access Programs for underrepresented communities.
- Organizes international events, workshops, and networking activities.
- Builds strategic partnerships that strengthen innovation ecosystems worldwide.
Finances
The Department does not require additional membership fees. Its activities are supported through the IFIA budget, partnerships, sponsorships, and approved projects.
Policy
The Department operates in accordance with IFIA’s principles of neutrality, inclusion, equal opportunity, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
Leadership
The Department is led by Mr. Babak Khodaparast, who oversees its strategic direction, international partnerships, and programs in accordance with the policies approved by the IFIA President and Executive Committee.