The first official General Assembly of the INSME Association is planned for early 2005, around February.

The location is still to be determined (a decision will be taken by the INSME Board) and the INSME Secretariat encourages any interested organisation to present its candidature for co-hosting the meeting.

A call for expressions of interest is open in this regard until 30 May 2004, specifying the guidelines for co-hosting and co-organising the 3-day event in 2005.

Guidelines for co-hosting and co-organising the meeting are available at:
 http://www.insme.org

For expressions of interest or further information please contact the INSME Secretariat: 
Mr. Mariano Cordone
 secretariat@insme.it
Phone: +39 06 80972.472
Fax: +39 06 80972.443

A contribution from a Member of the INSME Association: Managing Director of the Advanced Technology Group (GTS), explains GTS's point of view on INSME's role in the present economic context.

SMEs are on the political agenda more than ever - and for good reasons. Every month, well-established enterprises in developed economies are sourcing thousands of jobs to low cost regions. This is good news for developing countries, shareholders and consumers. But in the present economic climate where "lost jobs" are not yet replaced by new business activities, this constitutes a growing challenge for most developed economies.
 
The easy political answer to this challenge is putting restrictions to dampen or even roll back globalisation in the form of trade barriers, direct and indirect subsidies to businesses etc. And indeed, we do witness such measures being brought into action by advanced countries, e.g. in food, steel and machinery sectors. However, this is a dangerous, harmful and devastating path to follow! Instead, the key to the problem lies in changing knowledge, business and labor market structures in many so-called "advanced economies". The problems are of a transitional nature, and the answer is to activate and bring the human resource bases of the industrial society to the next level.
 
It is in this context that entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized businesses are becoming central drivers for economic growth, value creation and new (better) jobs. The questions policy-makers should ask themselves are how and in which sectors such SMEs are best "set free". There is no easy, let alone single, answer to that question. It all depends on the given structural and social context of each country, or rather: region. But there are definitely some common grounds, generic lessons and interesting experiences to learn from - and this is exactly why we need a forum like INSME.

There can be little doubt that the key to overcoming the structural challenges resulting from globalisation and rapid technological innovation lies in well-aligned partnerships constituted by public (government) initiatives and in collaboration with private (market-driven) players.
 
The intermediary organisation which I represent, GTS - Advanced Technology Group, is a grouping of such private - sector "change agents" based in Denmark. We have nearly one hundred years of experience with helping SME so innovate and assist more than 15,000 SMEs every year on a 100% commercial basis.

Our strength is that we develop and offer services and competencies that the SME is actually willing to pay for. This may sound trivial - but I think that government SME support schemes could learn some lessons from working closer with the private sector.

So helping individual SMEs is our bread and butter business - but besides that, GTS is a (potential) instrument for governments to change the business and knowledge structure of society. We are both partners, stakeholders and mutually life-dependent on that mission to succeed. I assume, that the majority of INSME members can identify themselves with this imminent task themselves.

GTS provides demand-driven innovation - although our job very frequently implies helping the SME to understand, recognize and articulate its own concrete challenges, problems and opportunities. The latter a point itself, it is firm belief that governments and intermediaries must shift their emphasis to a user- rather than supply-oriented perspective in overcoming the structural challenges of globalisation promoting via the encouragement of SMEs and new valued-add activities.

My personal contact with INSME was initiated by participating in the INSME meeting in Malmo in February where I had the chance to network with many interesting and dedicated delegates. Now I have become a member of the INSME association myself, and I look forward to the continuation of such more stimulating activities and being part of an international forum for mutual learning and inspiration (or perhaps even business opportunities?!). That's globalisation at its' best!
   
Henrik Morgen
Managing Director
GTS - Advanced Technology Group

Do you want to be the next to post a statement in the newsletter?
Please contact the INSME Secretariat in this regard:
Mr. Mariano Cordone
 secretariat@insme.it
Phone: +39 06 80972.472
Fax: +39 06 80972.443

Entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs can now consult a series of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) guides on "Intellectual Property for Business" covering a range of intellectual property issues of relevance to them, including industrial designs, patents, patent information, copyright and related rights, trade secrets, licensing, and valuation of intellectual property.

The first of these publications, "Making a Mark: An Introduction to Trademarks for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises", was published in September 2003 and is intended to enhance the reader's understanding of the strategic value of trademarks in business planning.

The second WIPO Guide, "Looking Good: An Introduction to Industrial Design for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises", appeared in December 2003 and explains, using concrete examples, how industrial designs can be used to further strategic business. Other guides are expected to be launched in the next months.

While the guides are mainly aimed at entrepreneurs and SME managers, they are equally useful for policy-makers, students, researchers, employees or any other individuals interested in the basics of the intellectual property system from a business perspective.

WIPO Guides can be downloaded as PDF documents from WIPO's SME website or may be obtained in hard copy by writing to publications.mail@wipo.int

Thanks to the cooperation among several institutions linked to INSME, a new project proposal, stimulated by the INSME Secretariat, has recently been presented within the EuropeAid Grant Programme ASIA IT&C.

The project proposal, called ITeChTRANSFER, aims at setting up a long-lasting collaborative network between European, Indian and neighbouring less developed countries (Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh) intermediary organisations through Get in touch & Keep in Touch activities. The project goal is the exchange of experiences and good practices about the design, adaptation and utilisation of ICT solutions and applications in order to explore the application of rapidly emerging communications technology for value added solutions in the agriculture sector.

In order to fulfill the project objectives, the main activities foreseen in the project will include the creation of:

1. joint Euro-Indian task forces of experts;
2. the organisation of three technology transfer seminars in India;
3. three train-the-trainers in Europe, and 
4. three thematic workshops in Europe.

The objectives will also be achieved through participatory research, knowledge transfer and exchange, a series of workshop meetings and case studies.

The geographical coverage of the project includes 4 countries: Italy, Spain, Sweden and India. IPI, the Italian Institute of Industrial Promotion, founding member and main sponsor of the INSME Association, is the project leader. The other partner organizations are: IKED-International Organisation for Knowledge Economy and Enterprise Development (INSME Member), the Italian Tecnopolis Science Park (Member of the INSME Advisory Group), the Spanish S&T Park of Albacete, the Indian Ministry of Agro and Rural Industry, the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (Member of the INSME Advisory Group) and the Indian National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development.

ITeChTRANSFER represents a good example of how networking through INSME can result in fruitful cooperation among Members. Partner organisations will carry out core activities within the areas covered by the INSME Association, such as technology transfer and innovation among SMEs.

For further information about ITeChTRANSFER , contact Dr. Pier Francesco Cerritelli at:
 secretariat@insme.it
 cerritelli@ipi.it
Phone: +39 06 80972.342
Fax: +39 06 80972.443

The European Commission's Enterprise Directorate-General has just released a new database of European technology transfer institutions listing over 1,500 institutions and organisations both within the current Member States and the acceding countries.

The database provides searchable contact information and for over 700 establishments, additional information about types of activity and science and technology areas covered. The accompanying overview describes the survey and defines the types, roles and activities of the technology transfer institutions studied.

The database is available either on CD ROM or as download at:
 http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/enterprise_policy/competitiveness/index.htm

From the end of April, the Members Area, the section of the INSME portal so far dedicated to the Members of the Advisory Group, will be online with a new graphic lay-out and new contents exclusively dedicated to the Members of the INSME Association.

Though Members of the INSME Advisory Group will not have access to the new Intranet Area, they can keep their current password to enter specific discussion areas of the portal:

• the INSME Advisory Group Room where they can read past e-mails sent by the INSME Secretariat and post their feedback;
• the Thematic Working Groups rooms on: ICT; Financing; Innovative Enterprises.

Read more about the new INSME Association Members Area at:
  http://www.insme.org/

Send your suggestions on the INSME Portal to Mr. Alessandro Sisti from the INSME Secretariat:
 sisti@ipi.it 
Phone: +39 06 80972.225
Fax: +39 06 80972.443

The INSME Award is conceived as a prize that the INSME Association, following a selection procedure, intends to assign biannually in order to acknowledge the success or the importance of  activities and initiatives at international, regional, national or sub-national level undertaken by intermediaries or their networks (not individuals) which are Members  or non Members of the INSME Association.

The Award will be given to intermediaries and their networks and to those initiatives, projects or programmes that represent an outstanding contribution in the field of innovation and technology transfer (TT) to SMEs within the socio-economic environment they are referring to.

The launch of the call for applications is foreseen for the beginning of June 2004. In the meantime, the INSME Secretariat is collecting applications from experts worldwide who, having proven experience in the field of innovation and technology transfer, wish to become Members of the Award Jury on a voluntary basis.

The First Award Cerimony should take place on the occasion of the INSME 2005 Annual Meeting early next year.

Are you interested in being involved in such initiative? If so, the INSME Secretariat welcomes your candidature. Please, send your CV in English by May 10th to:
Ms. Francesca Giannotti
 secretariat@insme.it
 giannotti@ipi.it
Phone: +39.06.80972.519
Fax: +39.06.80972.443

Senior staff of intermediary organisations dealing with innovation and technology transfer to SMEs are invited to apply for the training course on "Management of Innovation and Technology Transfer for SMEs, jointly organised by INSME and WASME (World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises) for the Asian region.

The course will take place in New Delhi, India, on 12-15 October 2004 at WASME's new Training Center.

The training programme is in partnership with the UNIDO Cluster Development Programme in India and WAITRO (World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations).

A brochure with an application form and detailed information on the training course's beneficiaries, the programme, the educational approach, the tuition fees are available online at:
 http://www.insme.org/

Reduced fees for INSME Asscociation Full Members, WASME and WAITRO Members are available.
For non-Members applying before 31 July 2004 a 10% discount is applicable.

For further information please contact the INSME Secretariat:
Dr. Pier Francesco Cerritelli
 secretariat@insme.it 
 cerritelli@ipi.it
Phone: +39-06-80972.342
Fax: +39-06-80972.443

Three INSME Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) are available online in the Discussion Group Area of the INSME portal.

The TWGs represent dedicated rooms where interested INSME Members or invited non-Members can discuss and exchange knowledge on specific topics regarding innovation and technology transfer or SMEs related issues. This e-discussion is moderated by an expert in the field (either from the INSME Secretariat or a volunteer organisation).

The INSME Secretariat intends to open participation in the Thematic Workings Group to non Members. So anyone interested in joining the discussion can contact us and apply for participation.

The newest TWG, launched following the last INSME meeting in Malmö, is focussed on Innovative Enterprises. Another TWG is dedicated to Innovation Finance and Venture Capital and a third TWG is on Information and Communication Technology.

Unless otherwise agreed by the TWG participants, the discussion is held in English only.

To express your interest in participating in one or more of these Thematic Working Groups or to propose a topic for a new TWG, please contact the INSME Secretariat:
Mr. Mariano Cordone
 secretariat@insme.it 
Phone: +39 06 80972.472
Fax: +39 06 80972.443

Further information on TWGs can be found at:
 http://www.insme.org/

An Experts Database will be available in the new INSME Association Members Area (Intranet).

This resource, which contains the names and CVs of highly qualified professionals, will help Members to access the expertise when needed. The range of expertise is quite broad, including not only innovation and technology transfer areas, but also SME related issues (management, training and Information Technology fields). These CVs should meet the needs of most Members looking for experts for their projects.

The INSME Secretariat invites professionals from all over the world with proven experience and expertise in the above mentioned fields who would like to be included in the database to send their application (including a cover letter, a detailed CV in English and the authorisation for processing personal data) to INSME Secretariat:

Ms. Valentina Milazzo
 secretariat@insme.it
 milazzo@ipi.it
Tel: +39 06 80972.517
Fax: +39 06 80972.443

"Ask INSME" is an on-line service managed by the INSME Secretariat and conceived to provide professional and timely answers to specific questions on Innovation Management and Technology Transfer (for instance, questions on how to find information, partners, or best practices).

The service is free of charge for all (INSME Members and non Members) until 30 June 2004.

Later on, it will be provided for free only for INSME Full and Associates Members. It will be offered for a fee for other interested bodies.

You can submit your questions (in English) to:
 askinsme@insme.it 

You can also use a dedicated form that guides you in the expression of your information need:
 http://www.insme.org/

The European Commission's Enterprise Directorate-General is developing a new Innovation Action Plan addressing the main issues that currently hamper innovation in European enterprises.

The New Action Plan concentrates on key-issues relevant for the innovation process in enterprises, including the regulatory environment, the market in knowledge and the financial and human resources which help or hinder innovation. It also recognises the importance of both technological and non-technological innovation and takes account of the all embracing nature of innovation by creating dialogue between all stakeholders, including policy makers, regions, researchers, civil society or enterprises.

A public consultation to gather contributions from innovation stakeholders in Europe has been launched, welcoming comments and suggestions from interested parties in the public and private sector, administrations, industry, services, finance, research, education and civil society. Consultation is open until 31 May 2004.

Further information at:
 http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise

Here are some interesting upcoming events focused on innovation and technology transfer, SMEs or other issues relevant to the INSME:

1. Conference on Entrepreneurship and Local Development
   Organised in the framework of the OECD's LEED (Local Economic and Employment Development) Programme
   Milan, Italy
   26.04.2004
   
   
2. Creative Clusters Conference 2004 
   Organised by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)
   Brighton, United Kinkdom
   28.04-01.05.2004
   
   
3. Joint WASME-WIPO Programme on Practical Intellectual Property Rights Issues
   Geneva, Switzerland
   03-06.05.2004
   
   
4. TII (Technology Innovation Information)
   2004 Annual Conference
   "EU25-New Markets, Technologies and Partnerships for an Enlarged Europe"
   Ms. Daniela de Vincentiis from the INSME Secretariat will participate in this event.
   Budapest, Hungary
   12-14.05.2004
   
   
5. Optimising the Online Environment for SMEs
   Fifth e-Business Support Network (eBSN) Workshop
   Barcelona, Spain
   13.05.2004
   
   
6. The Prelude Challenge: Clustering Digital Innovation in EU Regions
   "How to drive ICT Regional Research and Innovation through European Cooperation and Clustering"
   Organised by the European Commission within the PRELUDE (Promoting European Local and Regional Sustainability in the digital economy) project
   Ennis, Ireland
   13-14.05.2004
   
   
7. International Design Conference
   Organised by the Italian Office of Patents and Trademarks, in collaboration with the Municipality of Venice and the Italian Institute for Industrial Promotion (IPI) in the framework of the cooperation programme between Italy and the Championships of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Dr. Pier Francesco Cerritelli from the INSME Secretariat will participate in this event.
   Venice, Italy
   13-14.05.2004
   
   
8. The Twelfth Annual High Technology Small Firms Conference
   Organised by the University of Twente
   Enschede, The Netherlands
   24-25.05.2004
   
   
9. STAR-WEST - The 4th Meeting on Capital and Innovation
   Organised by NAPF (Nantes Atlantique Place Financi�re)
   Nantes, France
   26-27.05.2004
   
   
10. First INSME Board Meeting
    Istanbul, Turkey
    01.06.2004
     

View the full list of upcoming events at: 
 http://www.insme.org/

Submit an event for INSMEnews May edition to:
 secretariat@insme.it