Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial players in the European innovation ecosystem. They account for 83% of jobs and represent more than 99% of businesses in Europe. Protection of their intellectual property makes it possible for innovative SMEs to secure financing, grow, collaborate, and integrate into global value chains.
SMEs require support to effectively secure and manage IP rights. Without IP management expertise and an IP strategy, they may find it impossible to secure investment for growth. Small companies are particularly vulnerable to IP theft, and are thus susceptible to bankruptcy and acquisition. Ensuring that SMEs can protect and manage their IP is a critical part of safeguarding innovation, job creation, and growth in Europe.
IP Factory Europe: Financing SME IPR Strategies
IP Europe Policy Asks for SMEs
SMEs and the European IP Action Plan
IP Europe publishes materials for a range of audiences, including policymakers, companies, researchers, and the media. In this section, you will find our own policy positions, together with resources – publications, videos, and infographics – from experts and other industry groups.
You can also find the latest news about innovative SMEs and the policies that best support them in this section.
InvestEU
This EU programme is designed to boost the growth of a new generation of innovative SMEs in Europe. Among other things, it provides support for SMEs to use IP portfolios to raise capital and expand operations.
4SMEs
This initiative by 4iP Council, a European research institute focused on intellectual property issues, offers practical insights and information about IP management for innovative SMEs.
European IP Helpdesk
This service of the European Commission aims to help innovative SMEs. It provides a broad range of information about IP management and commercialisation, a helpline for IP management support, and capacity-building activities.
IP protection is critical for European SMEs to innovate, secure funding, grow, and compete. Please watch these short videos from our World IP Day Webinar on Investments and Growth for Innovative SMEs.