Webinars

High quality products coming from a particular territorial area are not only relevant in the agricultural sector but also in the handicraft, clothing, furniture and design sectors. These products are characterized by unique details and traditional production methods, often passed down from generation to generation, which deserve respect and protection like the agricultural Geographical Indications (GIs). The European Commission undertook a public consultation about the opportunity to take appropriate measures in this area at Community level. Two alternative solutions have been highlighted: harmonizing the legislation of individual member States or creating a unified and independent system of protection for non-agricultural GIs. Which are the future scenarios? GIs for non-agricultural products could represent a guarantee for consumers and a great economic resource for craftsmen.

Relator: Mr. Elio De Tullio

Managing Partner of De Tullio & Partners. Attorney-at-Law. Admitted to the Bar in Italy since 1994. Registered European and Italian Trade Mark & Design Attorney. Recently nominated INSME Board Member. Deputy Secretary General of the Italy-Argentina Chamber of Commerce (CaCIA) and member of the Board of Directors of the Italy-Dominica Chamber of Commerce. Legal advisor for Istituto di Economia dei Media (Fondazione Rosselli) and Fondazione Valore Italia of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. Representing the International Trademark Association (INTA) as expert in the working groups set up by the OHIM for supporting the activities of the EU Observatory on infringements of IPRs and Chair of the homonymous Task Force. Italian member of the Intellectual Property Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Chair of the Task Force on IP Infringement on the Internet. Cooperating as an expert with the European Commission, in particular with DG Enterprise & Industry, DG Enlargement, DG Research & Innovation and DG Market. Author of several publications and articles on Intellectual Property and IPR Enforcement. Among others, he was also editor and main author of the publication “The intangible wealth – Intellectual Property as an acceleration factor in the audiovisual market” published in 2011 by RAIZONE – ERI. Co-Author of Prof. Galli’s Commentary on Italian and European IP Law. Member of INTA (Chair of the EU Observatory Joint Task Force in the Anti-Counterfeiting Committee), ECTA (member of the Geographical Indications Committee and the Publication Committee), AIPPI, ALAI, ORIGIN, IAEL, ICC.

Imagine the world without drip irrigation, flash memory, voicemail, cherry tomatoes, computer firewalls and more. All these inventions come from Israel, an 8 million person, 20,000 sq.km. country which is 453 times smaller than the US and comparable in size to Fiji, Slovenia and El Salvador. With the highest density of start-ups in the world, Israel has become known as the “Start-Up Nation” and Tel Aviv is now ranked second to Silicon Valley among the world’s start-up ecosystems (The Economist/GE Lookahead, Dec 2014). With US$ 15 Billion in exits, 2014 was a record year for Israel’s innovation ecosystem. $3.4 Billion in venture capital were invested in 688 companies, putting the per capita investment at almost three times the US figure, with absolute venture investment second only to the US. With 6,000 active technology companies across diverse sectors, it is no wonder that multinationals flock to Israel to acquire companies and establish R&D centres, more than 300 currently. How did a small, young, geographically isolated country with no natural resources achieve this feat? What lessons may be relevant to other countries, companies and individuals? Nava Swersky Sofer, the innovation guru quoted in the NY Times bestseller ‘Start-Up Nation’ and an INSME board member, will share the secrets of success.

Relator: Ms. Nava Swersky Sofer

Nava Swersky Sofer, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, senior executive, innovation & technology commercialization expert with 25 years of international experience, is recognized as a leader in the fields of innovation, venture capital and technology transfer and is a frequently-invited speaker on these topics. In addition to company boards and international consulting, she is currently President & Founding Board Member of the Toronto-based International Commercialization Alliance; Founder of NanoIsrael, the international nanotechnology conference & exhibition, an adviser to the Israeli government on innovation and international R&D collaborations and an adviser to the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on innovation. She is the Israeli delegate to OECD’s Business & Industry Advisory Council (BIAC) nanotechnology committee and development/innovation network, a board member of Rome-based INSME, the International Network of SMEs, and of the Brussels-based Knowledge Economy Network. She is a visiting professor at IE Business School in Madrid, a member of the Board of Governors and of the 11-person Executive Committee of the Ruppin Academic Centre, one of Israel’s leading colleges, and was recently named as one of the 500 leaders pre-selected (of over 8,000 candidates) to serve on the boards of directors of government-owned corporations. She is often quoted on Israeli innovation models, including in the best-selling book “Start-Up Nation”.

Micro and small businesses are considered as vital engines for growth and job creation and play a crucial role in reaching the objectives of the economic development strategies of numerous countries. As part of the ongoing development of our eco-system for entrepreneurs TFEP has developed an Enterprise Assessment Tool for Entrepreneurs (E8) that enables budding and existing entrepreneurs around the world to test their competencies and determine their “entrepreneurial skill level deficit”, and evaluate any further training they may require. Entrepreneurs also have access to a continually evolving database of training course providers that offer a range of courses (including classroom and e-learning) that will help meet any “competency deficits” identified.
“ .. This is a unique initiative that will support entrepreneurs on their “entrepreneurial journey” to ensure they have the right skills for success and growth ..“ says Dr Paul Quantock, Chairman of The Foundation for Entrepreneurial Participation This self-assessment tool is an important element in the development of entrepreneurial education as it will determine the existing skill level of budding and existing entrepreneurs – which will assist policy makers and training institutions to further develop appropriate courses to meet the “skill deficits” identified by individuals.

Relator: Dr. Paul Quantock

Dr Paul Quantock is the Chairman of The Foundation for Entrepreneurial Participation, as well Chairman of The Foundation for European Initiatives, Senior Partner at European Consultancy Services, Director of EU15 Ltd (an outplacement and training firm) and Director of P4ACE (a communications research consultancy). He has been assisting organisations of all types throughout the world for 42 years. Helping them to build their capacity and also offer general help and advice on EU matters (including securing grants). In 2006 he, together with influential Indian figures from Government and NGOs circles, created the “India Healthcare Training Think-Tank” to advise on the future training needs for India in the healthcare sector. Dr Quantock was the Joint Chairman. In 2013, with assistance from the UK Government, he created The Foundation for Entrepreneurial Participation. He has been recognized by the Governor and Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA for his International work and was awarded their highest honour, that of Kentucky Colonel and has also been appointed by the European Commission as one of their European Project Evaluation Experts in the field of vocational training.

In the last 40 years Islamic Financial has evolved from a niche to main industry. The industry has grown at 15-20% per annum with assets expected to exceed USD 1.8 Trillion Dollars by 2016. 
Islamic finance is global phenomena found not only in the most populous Muslim countries or regions such as Far East Asia and the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) but we see a presence in Europe, Africa and Asia. In the webinar we will present on what are the principles of Islamic finance, what are the differences between Islamic Finance and Conventional Finance, the development of Islamic finance globally and what are the challenges and the factors that help in its growth and development.

Relator: Ms. Rahma Hassan Hersi

Ms. Rahma Hassan Hersi is one of the Founders and Managing Partners of Awal Consulting Limited, the first Islamic Financial Advisory Firm in East and Central Africa. Rahma has a Masters in International Comparative Law from the Robert McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis US and Bachelor of Laws in Islamic Law and Common Law from the International Islamic University of Islamabad Pakistan and a Diploma in Arabic from the International University of Africa Khartoum Sudan.

Minecraft was just sold to Microsoft for 2.5 bn USD, compared Volvo, 80 years of Swedish industry history was sold to Geely for just 1.3 bn USD a couple of years ago. Supercell, the company behind Candy Crush, is the fourth biggest tax payer in Finland, just as Nokia lies dying. What makes the nordics stand out – how will the new industry leverage on the old and
how does this become the most vibrant startup ecosystem on earth?

Relator:

Lars is a senior business adviser and a partner at Springfellow AB - a creative concept agency that delivers innovation strategies and concepts for international companies. Every working position he has previously held, gave him an opportunity to combine his extensive knowledge of emerging technologies with expertise in sales and business development. This mix works magically in ringing about novel solutions, products and concepts to clients. Lars is always providing an out-side-in perspective when it comes to companies’ ability to adapt and grow in rapidly changing markets and fast evolving technologies.

Global organizations have left the recession in the rear-view mirror and are  positioning themselves aggressively for growth. The need for caution has been superseded by the need to take action. Yet as the economic recovery takes hold, businesses realize that the workforce today has changed. Skills are scarce, workers have high expectations, and Millennials are now in charge. Enter the 21^st -century workforce. The 21^st -century workforce is global, highly connected, technology-savvy, and demanding. Its employees are youthful, ambitious and filled with passion and purpose. Critical new skills are scarce and their uneven distribution around the world is forcing companies to develop innovative new ways to find people, develop capabilities, and share expertise.

Relator: Mr. Claudio E. Fiorillo

Mr. Fiorillo has more than 22 years of experience in the Consulting area and financial sector industry. Specialized in banking and capital market, he was Manager of the Audit and Management Counseling Division of Arthur Andersen in Argentina and he is currently the Partner of the Consultancy Division in Deloitte where he was in charge of the Strategy & Operations and Human Capital services lines. Additionally, he is the Leader of Financial Industry Services for Latin American countries (LATCO). He has led several consultancy projects with local and regional clients in Latin American countries (such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, México, Panamá, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, among others). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and an MBA in Business Administration at EDDE (School of Business Management) Argentine Business University (U.A.D.E.). He has also completed a PMD (Program for Management Development) at ESADE Business School Campus Buenos Aires.

“Open Innovation” is a buzz word in these days and with good reasons: customers are increasingly demanding and products are increasingly complex, requiring a wider range of specialized skills that are very difficult to find inside a single company. In order to develop the full potential of the Open Innovation approach, it is necessary that adequately designed innovation services are available. In the webinar we will present the best practices that t²i has developed for innovation services design, with a focus on cluster services.

Relator: Mr. Marco Galanti

Degree in Business Economics at University of Venice (Italy) in 2001, attended post-degree course in e-Project Management and Higher Education course as Specialist of Innovation and Technology Transfer. He is working at Treviso Tecnologia since 2002 as Project Assistant and Project Manager, focusing mainly on innovation projects which have a strong business involvement side and an SME oriented open-innovation approach.

How can an SME be agile enough to navigate through the unknown waters of the future? In an increasingly complex world the next big disruption could appear from the most unlikely of places and organizations need to be both agile in response to these threats and able to take a long term view. Strong winds can make a ship go fast – but also crash against the next iceberg. So speed is good – but for sustainable competitive advantage and long term success, other factors like stability (e.g., control of the ship) are equally important. For the last 10 years McKinsey and Company has been looking at the impact of ‘Organizational Health’ – how an organization aligns, executes with excellence and renews itself – on the long term performance of organizations. The initial work was documented in the 2011 book ‘Beyond Performance’ and is core to the way that the firm thinks about culture. Based on data gathered from over 3 million individuals and 2000 studies, McKinsey was able to demonstrate that health has a strong link to performance: healthy companies achieve 3 times greater total return to shareholders (TRS). Recently the team has taken this further to understand how the concept of ‘agility’, currently in vogue, links to this result and how organizations can best set themselves up to be ‘agile’. The discussion will touch on the components that make up organizational health, how these are translated into reality, and Jannis and Tom will present real world examples of the impact of focusing on health. They will then go a step further – exploring the concept of agility and how it can be mapped to the existing research on organizational health, combining the two to create powerful insight for SMEs and addressing the apparent conflict between the need for speed and stability.

Relator: Dr. Jannis Vitzthum and Mr. Tom Welchman

Jannis Vitzthum is based in Munich and works with various clients in EMEA on improving organizational performance, with a distinct focus on analytics, organizational design and organizational health. Prior to working with McKinsey he has been a Senior Manager with Siemens, serving their businesses in +100 countries with in house advisory in the organizational and HR domain. Before this role he had worked with global consulting firm Deloitte, where he led numerous projects in various sectors and countries, e.g. aerospace and defense as well as health care and life sciences. He started his career at the army where he held several roles in the medical corps and defense research.

Tom Welchman is based in London and is part of the McKinsey OrgSolutions EMEA leadership team - a group that uses data and analytics to support Organizational Design, Transformation Change and Human Capital issues. Tom spends most of his time running transformation programmes for clients across a variety of industries and sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals, NGOs, advanced industries and financial services. Before joining McKinsey, Tom worked as an Engagement Manager at the strategy consultancy Monitor Group and subsequently Monitor Deloitte where his focus was on corporate strategy, leadership and big data in healthcare and life sciences. Tom has also worked in the UK Government as an Assistant Economist, at Deloitte as a Strategy Analyst and holds an MA and MPhil in Economics from Cambridge University. He holds an MD from Ulm university, a doctoral degree based on a thesis in clinical psychology and an MBA from Augsburg/Pittsburgh.

By the end of the twenty-first century, the process of urbanisation will be by and large completed on this planet. As a result, what happens in cities will increasingly come to dominate economic, environmental, social and political outcomes of countries. The session will discuss the challenges and opportunities connected with urbanisation. In particular, it will look at the drivers of economic productivity in cities, as well as the role of administrative fragmentation and governance structures in metropolitan areas for their prosperity and well-being.

Relator: Dr. Rudiger Ahrend

Dr. Rudiger Ahrend is Head of the Urban Programme in the OECD’s Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development. In this capacity, he has been supervising numerous urban projects, for example on metropolitan development and governance and national urban policies. He has also supervised numerous reviews and case studies of major metropolitan agglomerations, and is the main author of “The Metropolitan Century: Understanding Urbanisation and its Consequences”. As Head of the Urban Programme, Dr. Ahrend is also in charge of the OECD Working Party on Urban Policies, as well as the OECD Roundtable of Mayors and Ministers. Prior to joining OECD, he worked as a researcher and independent consultant. In addition to his OECD work, Dr. Ahrend has published widely, both in academic journals and newspapers. Rudiger Ahrend holds a PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics, as well as degrees in Social Sciences and Mathematics from the University of Göttingen, Paris-IX Dauphine, and the Sorbonne.

Digital innovation is essential for an SME’s sustainable development, competitiveness and growth. However, companies lack the insights as to what degree their digital innovation capabilities are competitive and how they can enhance them. The IMP³rove Digital Innovation Quotient assessment and benchmarking builds on a combination of qualitative and quantitative performance indicators to measure and compare internationally to what degree companies are successful in turning ideas into digital innovation – considering digital innovation in processes to reduce cost and in offerings to generate revenues. The tool has been developed as part of a European Commission project in collaboration with an international expert network. It is available for free in its basic version, and fully digital itself: users can register online, take the assessment online, and receive an individual benchmarking report online. To inspire the SME’s journey towards increased competitiveness driven by higher digital innovation performance, we have initiated the collection of a digital use case library showcasing digital innovation successes in various industries – from construction to IT. As you realize, the assessment tool, the benchmarking database and the use case library have strong network effects – the benefits for anyone involved grow with the number of users. We invite you to join us for this session. We are keen to develop further partnerships in and beyond Europe to support SMEs in becoming more digital, and more successful.

Relator: Dr. Martin Ruppert

Martin Ruppert is Managing Director of IMP³rove – European Innovation Management Academy and core team member of the Innovation and R&D Management practice at A.T. Kearney. Building on various consulting projects, he has comprehensive experience in innovation management, ranging from the review of innovation strategy and innovation portfolio to the development of innovative business models. He worked in Europe, the Middle East, and in Asia-Pacific. Martin is author of numerous publications on innovation management and co-author of the Global Innovation Index reports in 2015 and 2016. He has been seconded to the World Economic Forum to manage the project “Fostering Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship in Europe” and was advisor for the project “Collaborative Innovation – Transforming Business, Driving Growth”