Enable SMEs and the innovation ecosystem

Small- and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the European economy. EU policies must enable SMEs to effectively leverage IP rights for success.

Latest news

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.

POSITION PAPERS
April 30, 2021

World IP Day: Webinar on Investments and Growth
for Innovative SMEs

On World IP Day on 26 April, IP Europe organized an informal webinar following this year’s theme IP and SMEs: Taking your ideas to market, to raise […]
March 31, 2021

Q&A with the CEO of Fractus: Ruben Bonet

1.         What is your company’s technology solution? Fractus offers antenna technologies that allow: connectivity in multiple frequency bands; integration of the antennas within the device having a […]
March 31, 2021

Q&A with the CEO of Energysquare: Timothée Le Quesne

1.         What is your company’s technology solution? Energysquare, a French company founded in 2015, is developing the new wireless charging technology “Power by Contact”. Unlike inductive charging […]
September 26, 2017

EPO publication highlights the importance of patents for European SMEs

IP Europe’s SME Chair Fractus is included in a set of 12 case studies focusing on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe are using […]
July 3, 2017

Video: Fractus CEO Rubén Bonet on the benefits of patents for European SMEs

June 27, 2017

IP Europe’s “SME Manifesto”

Driving growth for European innovators. A statement of policy, aims and practical support for European SMEs who invest in innovation: empowering these economically vital companies so they can help Europe become the world’s leading digital economy.
RESOURCES

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.

World IP Day

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.