The International Network for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises-INSME is a non profit Association open to international membership.
Its mission is to stimulate transnational cooperation and public and private partnership in the field of innovation and technology transfer to SMEs.
This is justified by the challenges posed by globalisation, that force SMEs to strive to be more competitive through accessing innovation and technology. Policy Makers and Intermediaries play a crucial role in assisting SMEs in this respect:
- Policy Makers provide support through the creation of innovation policies and by orienting public funding towards SMEs that need innovation services;
- Intermediaries provide more ‘hands-on’ support, working directly with SMEs to resolve their problems.
Given this scenario, INSME’s role is to create a link between these entities so as to enhance the level of support provided. In doing so, INSME acts as a hub, multiplier and disseminator of knowledge, a facilitator for alliances, a promoter of networking and a catalyser to encourage North-South and South-South international cooperation and political dialogue.
INSME was first launched as an informal multistakeholder community gathering Governmental bodies, International Organisations and NGOs, Intermediaries and their networks acting in the field of innovation, technology transfer and SME related issues.
In mid-February 2004 the network evolved into an independent legal entity initially founded by organisations from Italy, Romania, Spain and Switzerland. Membership in the Association is reserved for the above mentioned categories.
Individual SMEs cannot apply for membership in the INSME Association, but they remain indirect beneficiaries of its activities.
The Association provides services and facilities to its Members, some of which are also made available through this portal. Gathering and dissemination of information are achieved through collaboration and exchange among Members, which may occur through e-mail contacts, discussion in the dedicated rooms of the Discussion Group Area of the portal, periodical meetings and conference calls.
INSME is an initiative promoted by the Italian Government within the OECD Bologna Process on SMEs.
The INSME Association’s official working language is English.
On the basis of bilateral MoU, INSME exchanges membership for free with other networks so as to increase collaboration cross border for mutual benefits and provide its Members with better opportunities worldwide.
INSME is at present member of the following non for profit organisations dealing with SMEs and innovation around the globe:
- The European Trade Association for Business Angels, Seed Funds and other Early Stage Market Players- EBAN
- European Association of Development Agencies - EURADA
- Institute for Small Business & Entrepreneurship - ISBE
- International Society for Professional Innovation Management - ISPIM
- ANIMA Investment Network
- World Business Angels Association - WBAA
- World Technopolis Association - WTA
INSME also encourages long term knowledge partnerships with other international initiatives and associations in line with its own scopes, so as to avoid overlapping of activities and maximise the flow of information and benefits to INSME Members, with the final goal to better reach SMEs and meet their needs.
To learn about the 25 International partners of the INSME Association, please, click here.
To propose an international partnership with INSME, please contact: secretariat@insme.it
