Beyond documentation, the TISCs are positioned as operational support hubs for inventors, universities, research institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The network will provide training, facilitate access to specialized databases, and deploy digital tools to support innovation and knowledge transfer. A planning meeting held in Yaoundé in late February established the operational structure, including the roles of OAPI, WIPO, and national stakeholders, as well as implementation priorities such as staff training and the rollout of focal points.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen the commercialization of research outputs and improve the protection of inventions across the OAPI region. By linking public and private innovation actors, the network is expected to support a more structured and accessible IP ecosystem within the bloc.

Practical implications:

Rights holders and innovators operating in OAPI member states can expect improved access to patent information and support services. Over time, this may lead to stronger local filings, better-informed IP strategies, and increased utilization of the regional system, particularly among SMEs and research-driven entities.