IFIA Congratulates Marco Aleman on His Reappointment to Lead WIPO’s IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Marco Aleman on his reappointment as Assistant Director General and Head of the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), leading the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector for a new six-year term 2026-2032.

IFIA also expresses its sincere appreciation to WIPO Director General Mr. Daren Tang for his strategic vision and confidence in renewing Mr. Aleman’s mandate, as well as to the WIPO Coordination Committee and the Member States of WIPO for endorsing this important appointment. Their collective decision reflects a shared commitment to ensuring continuity in one of WIPO’s most dynamic and impactful sectors.

Over recent years, under the leadership of Director General Daren Tang and through the dedicated stewardship of Marco Aleman, WIPO has significantly strengthened its role in connecting intellectual property with innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.

The IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector has become a cornerstone of WIPO’s strategy, helping governments, innovation agencies, universities, startups, SMEs, research institutions, and inventors transform intellectual property into tangible economic and societal value.

Throughout his leadership, Mr. Aleman has played a pivotal role in expanding WIPO’s support for innovation ecosystems around the world. His work has contributed to numerous strategic initiatives, including:

• Promoting innovation ecosystem development at national and regional levels.
• Supporting the commercialization of intellectual property and research outcomes.
• Strengthening technology transfer policies and institutional capacities.
• Expanding support for startups, SMEs, universities, and research organizations.
• Advancing national IP and innovation strategies.
• Enhancing innovation support services and IP management capabilities.
• Encouraging collaboration among governments, innovation agencies, investors, academia, and industry.
• Promoting practical use of intellectual property as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.

These initiatives have helped position WIPO as a global leader in building innovation ecosystems where intellectual property serves as a bridge between creativity, research, investment, and commercialization.

As the global federation representing inventors and inventors’ associations, IFIA highly values its longstanding cooperation with WIPO.

Throughout Mr. Aleman’s tenure, IFIA has witnessed his unwavering commitment to strengthening relationships with inventors, innovation organizations, and international partners. His openness to dialogue, collaborative leadership, and practical approach have significantly contributed to expanding cooperation between WIPO and the global inventor community.

This partnership has been reflected in several important initiatives, including IFIA’s active support for the WIPO Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), collaboration in promoting the WIPO Global Awards, and continued engagement in initiatives that enhance intellectual property commercialization, technology transfer, and effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms—including mediation and arbitration services that help innovators and businesses protect and manage their intellectual property assets more efficiently.

These initiatives demonstrate a shared commitment to empowering inventors, strengthening innovation ecosystems, expanding access to intellectual property services, facilitating the commercialization of innovation, and promoting the effective protection and management of intellectual property worldwide. IFIA looks forward to further expanding this strategic cooperation during Mr. Aleman’s renewed mandate.

As innovation becomes an increasingly important driver of economic competitiveness and sustainable development, strengthening innovation ecosystems has never been more essential.

IFIA is confident that Mr. Marco Aleman’s renewed mandate will further reinforce WIPO’s global leadership in supporting inventors, innovators, startups, research institutions, and governments in building stronger and more inclusive innovation ecosystems through intellectual property.

Founded in 1968, the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) has maintained a close relationship with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) throughout the evolution of the modern international intellectual property system. Established by the WIPO Convention of 1967 and operational since 1970, WIPO has worked alongside IFIA for decades in promoting innovation, creativity, and the effective use of intellectual property worldwide.

As one of WIPO’s longest-standing Observer organizations, IFIA has actively participated in WIPO Assemblies, standing committees, expert meetings, and international initiatives, representing the interests of inventors and innovation organizations across the globe. This enduring partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening intellectual property systems, fostering innovation, empowering inventors, and advancing sustainable economic and social development.

On behalf of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations and its worldwide network of member organizations, inventors, innovators, researchers, and innovation leaders, IFIA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Marco Aleman as on his well-deserved reappointment as Assistant Director General and Head of WIPO’s IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector.

IFIA also congratulates Director General Daren Tang, the WIPO Coordination Committee, and the Member States of WIPO for their confidence in ensuring continuity of leadership within WIPO’s IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector.

IFIA looks forward to further strengthening its strategic partnership with WIPO and working closely with Mr. Aleman during his new mandate to advance innovation ecosystems, empower inventors, facilitate technology commercialization, and promote intellectual property as a driving force for sustainable development worldwide.

Congratulations to Mr. Marco Aleman on this well-deserved reappointment. IFIA looks forward to continuing its longstanding collaboration with WIPO in building a stronger, more innovative, and inclusive global intellectual property ecosystem.