NIF has a large database of over 3,45,000 technological ideas, innovations and traditional knowledge, including proprietary, open source and common public knowledge. While the percentage of proprietary traditional knowledge (individual or community) and innovations where NIF has filed patents in the names of the individuals or communities is quite low, much knowledge is available (common or open source), which can be disseminated without any IP considerations. Social diffusion may be defined in context of physical introduction of innovation (machinery, herbal products or improved plant variety seeds) in relevant areas among identified beneficiaries either directly or through a partner.

The Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) department works in close coordination with the S&D, VARD and BD departments. The specific tasks undertaken to further dissemination activities include coordination of publication activities of NIF online as well as in print and developing content for newsletters, books, compendiums, posters, CDs, kiosks, websites etc. NIF also participates in workshops, seminars, exhibitions and various events like India International Trade Fair, Indian Science Congress, India International Science Fair, etc. for the purpose. It also facilitates demonstration of technologies for their possible uptake by relevant stake holders. Establishing linkages with other institutions and networks for dissemination and/or social diffusion is also one of the important activities of NIF.

Such activities are being actively taken up all across the country particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, the North Eastern States and in other remote/ backward/ tribal regions.