IP Capacities for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the MEDiterranean Region
A solid bond between Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), research and innovation constitutes a fundamental pillar for knowledge-based societies. Crucial for the development and competitiveness of start-ups, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs, IPR is, however, the element of the axis most often unknown or overlooked by these groups in business decision-making both in Europe and beyond. Recent studies on firm competitiveness and economic performance highlight that only 9% of SMEs make use of IPR in Europe (against 40% of large companies). Yet small firms owning IPR perform better than those that do not (increased reputation, strengthening of long-term business prospects and increased turnover). In the Euro-Mediterranean area, changing this pattern of low interest/access to IPR is critical to help regions of both shores of the basin achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. IPMED intends to contribute to that change by helping local authorities understand how they can better support entrepreneurs in accessing, using and optimizing the growth potential of IPR, and enhancing the IPR of young entrepreneurs.