While the economy of the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) remains constricted and political tensions volatile, the innovation ecosystem has seen some progress in the last half decade. The socio-economic situation nonetheless remains difficult as a result of ongoing movement restrictions, significant cuts in foreign financial aid and strained social relations. Most notably, unemployment remains very high, particularly among the youth and women. The unemployment rate among the youth (18-29 years) in the oPt reached 38% in 2019. Youth unemployment and social inequalities significantly affect social cohesion and stability, and notably risk emigration abroad. Unemployment has been further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute about 98% of the economy in the oPt and were likewise affected by the pandemic.

While multiple trade agreements offer some opportunities to increase and to expand trade and diversify export markets, MSMEs in the oPt are not yet able to translate these opportunities into business transactions.

At the international level, the oPt holds observer status at the United Nations (UN) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); however it is not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The General Directorate of Intellectual Property (GDIP) is in the process of updating the IP legal system in the West Bank by drafting a new Industrial Property Law. Furthermore, the GDIP intends to digitalize its IP services, alongside multiple other objectives such as enhanced staff training and improving communication within the IP community. PALSIP aims to support this process.

1 Why occupied Palestinian territory? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Who benefits? | 5 Project Facts

The overall objective of PALSIP is to contribute to the strengthening of the IP legal framework and the services of IP-relevant institutions in the oPt. These are essential components to support the innovation ecosystem and to promote employment opportunities.

PALSIP will provide technical support to Priority Areas that have been defined by the GDIP as follows:

• Capacity Building for the GDIP to strengthen its services and digitalization process
• Capacity Building of Technology Innovation and Support Centres (TISCs)
• Strengthening IP Enforcement and Education

1 Why occupied Palestinian territory? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Who benefits? | 5 Project Facts

PALSIP will produce an assessment report of gaps and recommendations to improve the internal capacities and services of the GDIP. Likewise, technical assistance will be offered to the GDIP in its digitalization processes and to strengthen its online services in order to increase its outreach and accessibility by IPR-holders to its services.
PALSIP will also conduct capacity building activities for the GDIP and selected TISCs on specific IP rights. Furthermore, PALSIP will focus on two other key areas: i) capacity building of the judiciary through trainings on IP-relevant laws, international treaties and enforcement procedures as well as ii) the development of a communication strategy for GDIP. Amongst other activities, PALSIP will also support a TISC exchange forum to further develop and strengthen the TISC network in the oPt.

1 Why occupied Palestinian territory? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Who benefits? | 5 Project Facts

The main partner and beneficiary is the General Directorate of Intellectual Property (GDIP) under the Ministry of National Economy (MoNE), while the staff at Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) are other direct beneficiaries too.

Indirect beneficiaries will be start-ups, MSMEs, researchers and graduates from universities who will be able to use and enforce the IPR services offered by the IP system in the oPt.

1 Why occupied Palestinian territory? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Who benefits? | 5 Project Facts

Quick project facts

Project duration
May 2022 – April 2025

Total budget
CHF 537,380.50

Donor agency
Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs – SECO

Implementing partners
Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property – IPI
General Directorate of Intellectual Property – GDIP

oPt – key facts for 2021
Population: 4.8 million
GDP growth: 7.1%
GDP per capita: 3,664.00 USD

1 Why occupied Palestinian territory? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Who benefits? | 5 Project Facts