21st INSME Annual Meeting
“Protecting and Valuing SMEs Intangible Assets”
20 – 21 October 2025
Alicante, Spain
In partnership with:
CONFERENCE THEME
In today’s knowledge-driven global economy, intangible assets, including intellectual property, brand reputation, proprietary technologies, human capital, and customer relationships, are the primary engines of business growth, competitiveness, and innovation. The latest trends highlight that intangible investment has tripled the pace of tangible investment over the past 15 years (WIPO, 2024), reaching nearly US $6.9 trillion in 2023. Additionally, firms rich in intangible assets exhibit higher productivity, resilience, and capacity to navigate financial constraints inherent to these asset classes (OECD, 2021).
The strategic advantage conferred by intangible assets on SMEs is widely recognized, since they often serve as key differentiators in competitive markets and primary drivers of business valuation. However, SMEs frequently encounter substantial barriers in the protection, valuation, and monetization of their intangible assets. In particular, the perceived complexity and high costs of intellectual property systems make protection challenging. Limited financial and legal resources often leave them exposed to infringement, especially in the global digital marketplace, where inconsistent legal jurisdictions make enforcement difficult. In response, there is a growing push for streamlined IP laws and simplified registration processes tailored to SMEs’ needs. Traditional financing options also remain limited, as lenders are hesitant to accept intangible assets as collateral. Nonetheless, alternative models such as IP-backed lending, revenue-based financing, and securitization are gaining momentum. Technologies like blockchain are also being explored to improve transparency and trust in ownership.
Another major barrier is the difficulty in accurately assessing the economic value of such assets, due to the lack of universally accepted valuation frameworks. Unlike tangible assets, which can be appraised based on market comparable or cost structures, intangible assets require sophisticated evaluation techniques that consider future income potential, market positioning, and innovation impact. There is an urgent need to modernize the financial and regulatory infrastructure that supports intangibles (European Commission, 2025).
Unlocking the full potential of intangible assets is a pillar of long-term economic growth and industrial competitiveness, especially for SMEs. Long-term business success will depend on aligning regulatory, financial, and strategic approaches. To this end, a truly integrated Single Market for intangibles is needed, one that addresses legal fragmentation, boosts cross-border operability, and fosters access to enhanced financial tools such as IP-backed financing and innovation-linked lending (European Commission, 2024). Equally important is the establishment of reliable and transparent valuation standards.
To face such challenges, SMEs are asked to strengthen their internal capabilities in legal affairs, digital security, and asset valuation, as well as to engage in cross-border collaborative networks and public-private partnerships. At the same time, policymakers and financial institutions must work together to improve the innovation financing ecosystem, promote capacity-building initiatives, and provide tailored advisory services to help SMEs effectively manage their intangible assets. Creating an enabling environment for intangibles is not only a strategic lever for competitiveness, but a necessary condition for sustainable and inclusive growth.
INSME – The International Network for Small and Medium-sized Entreprises
INSME – The International Network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, is a non-profit Association that, through the facilitation of the creation of public-private partnership, training and exchange of best practices, contributes to the promotion of innovation in SMEs and in establishing a more fertile entrepreneurial ecosystem worldwide.
The Network works under the auspices of the OECD and was established in 2004 by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. Today, it can count on the support of 64 Members from around the globe: 38 from Europe; 12 from Asia; 7 from North America; 4 from South America; and 3 from Africa.
The membership base is diverse, including technology transfer and innovation stakeholders, development banks, policymakers, financial actors, academic institutions, business support organizations, and chambers of commerce on an international scale, involving on a second-tier level millions of SMEs.
EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Organization
The EUIPO, European Union Intellectual Property Office, is a decentralized agency of the EU responsible for managing intellectual property rights within the EU. Specifically, it handles the registration of EU trademarks, registered designs, and geographical indications for certain products. The EUIPO also oversees the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights and manages the IP SME Fund. On average, EUIPO receives and examines over 150,000 trademark and 90,000 design applications annually. It also encourages convergence of practices among EU countries’ IP offices through the European Union Intellectual Property Network’s cooperation activities. Ideas Powered for Business is an initiative by the EUIPO designed to support SMEs in making the most of their intellectual property (IP) to boost growth and competitiveness.
Alibaba
Alibaba Group is a Chinese multinational conglomerate specializing in e-commerce, technology, and digital services. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma, it started as an online B2B marketplace connecting Chinese manufacturers with global buyers. Today, it operates major platforms such as Alibaba.com, Taobao, and Tmall, serving millions of businesses and consumers worldwide. The group has expanded into cloud computing, digital payments (Alipay), logistics, and entertainment. Its ecosystem integrates online retail, wholesale trade, fintech, and infrastructure services. Alibaba is known for driving digital transformation in China’s economy and enabling SMEs to access global markets.
AGENDA
Monday 20 October 2025
9:30 – 10:00 Registration and Welcome Coffee
10:00 – 10:30 Opening speeches
- Sergio Arzeni, President, INSME, Italy
- Adrea di Carlo, Deputy Executive Director, EUIPO, Spain
10:30 -11:00 Keynote Speech
- Lucia Cusmano, Head of the SMEs and Entrepreneurship Division, OECD, Paris
11:00 – 12:00 Panel 1: Driving SME competitiveness through intellectual Property
In today’s hypercompetitive and innovation-driven economy, SMEs must leverage their intangible assets not just for protection but as strategic tools to build and sustain their competitive advantage. IP is a business asset that drives differentiation, consumer trust, and economic resilience.
This session will investigate how successful SMEs integrate IP into their growth models, what differentiates high-performing firms in terms of IP use, and how policy ecosystems can support this transformation
The panel will discuss the following issues:
- How can SMEs leverage IP assets to strengthen their market positioning and global competitiveness?
- Which are the main barriers that prevent SMEs to invest in IP?
Chairman:
- Giovanni Zazzerini, Secretary General, INSME, Italy
Speakers:
- Inge Buffolo, Director Business Development Department, EUIPO, Spain
- Claudio Bergonzi, Director Global IP enforcement, Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group
- Simona Marzetti, Head of International Affairs, Italian Patent and Trademark Office, Italy
- Esteban Pelayo, CEO, Alicante Science Park, Spain
12:00 – 13:00 Panel 2: IP Valuation and Monetization
Despite its growing strategic importance, intellectual property remains underdeveloped in financial markets, especially by SMEs. Financial institutions often lack the tools and confidence to assess IP as an asset class. This session will focus on emerging financial instruments and strategies for IP valuation, collateralization, and investment readiness. It will also highlight regulatory and market-based innovations that enable IP-backed financing and discuss the role of financial institutions in supporting IP-rich SMEs.
The panel will address the following issues:
- How can public and private financial institutions develop more inclusive lending models that recognize the value of intangible assets?
- What are the current limitations in valuing and financing IP on a national and international scale, and how can they be overcome?
Chairman:
- Ignacio de Medrano Caballero, Head of Promotion of the IP Systems, EUIPO, Spain
Speakers:
- Francesca Alicata, Head of External Relations, SIMEST, Italy
- Elio de Tullio, Managing Partner &IPR Attorney, De Tullio & Partners, Italy
- Andrés Fullana, Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Alicante
- Pilar Montero, Professor of Commercial Law, University of Alicante, Spain
- Katrin Sturm, Secretary General, AECM, Brussels
- Paola Zerilli, Senior Lecturer, University of York, UK
13:00 Family picture
13:00 – 14:30 Networking Lunch
14:30 – 15:30 Panel 3: Public Support for IP in SMEs
Public support plays a crucial role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) understand, protect, and leverage intellectual property (IP). Governments and institutions offer a range of tools such as subsidies for IP registration, advisory services, and training programs to reduce barriers and encourage innovation. These initiatives aim to improve IP awareness, promote competitiveness, and support the growth of IP-based business strategies.
The panel will address the following issues:
- How do public programs help SMEs overcome financial and knowledge barriers in managing IP?
- What types of support are most effective in encouraging SMEs to protect and use their IP assets?
Chairman:
- Andrea Di Anselmo, President, META Group, Italy
Speakers:
- Patricia Beltrán Gonzálvez, Lawyer, Quinton Biotech Lab
- Sonia Fernandez, Director of Projects Department, AMEC, Spain
- Andreas Jahn, Member of the Federal Executive Board, BVMW, Germany
- Elisavet Karagiampi, Team Leader SME Fund, EUIPO, Spain
- Sophia Kassidova, Head of Strategy and Green policies, BDB, Bulgaria
15:30-16:45 Hot Topic Working Groups
Participants in small group discussions, led by experts, will explore highly relevant topics and share their experiences.
1.How can SMEs leverage intellectual property to create a competitive advantage and sustain profitable growth?
- Led by Hamsa Thota, Founder and CEO, IBD, USA
- Discussed with Saskia Smits, International Cooperation Officer, Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, Netherlands.
2. How can research have a better impact in the EU?
- Led by Andrea Di Anselmo, President, META Group, Italy
- Discussed with João Carlos Costa, General Counsel, COTEC, Portugal
3. What role can IP play in promoting technology transfer and innovation?
- Led by Péter Mogyorósi, CEO, LC Innoconsult, Hungary
- Discussed with Manuel Seuffert, Director, Kearney IMP³ROVE, Germany
4. How can public and private actors work together to create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurs and SMEs?
- Led by Boyko Takov, Executive Director, Bulgarian SME Promotion Agency, Bulgaria
- Discussed with Guillermo Alarcon, Director, Colombian Ministry of Economic Development Sector, Colombia
5. How can intellectual property protection support the development and commercialization of green innovation?
- Led by Sophia Bonne, Senior Advisor, Business Development Department, EUIPO
- Discussed with Rober Pocklington Vicente, IP Expert, Latin America IP SME Helpdesk, Belgium.
6. How to strengthen the collaboration between SMEs, incubators and accelerators?
- Led by Roberto Santolamazza, Director, t2i, Italy
- Discussed with Cosimo Del Vecchio, Oversea Manager, PLD, Italy
Presentation of working group outcomes in plenary
16:45 – 17:45 Panel 4: Can AI Truly Generate Knowledge?
This panel will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creation and ownership of knowledge. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, questions arise about its originality, ownership, and value. Speakers will examine whether AI outputs can truly be considered “new knowledge” and what this means for intellectual property frameworks.
This panel will discuss the following issues:
- Can AI-generated outputs be considered original knowledge?
- How should intellectual property frameworks adapt to AI-driven knowledge creation?
Chairman:
- Jay Mitra, President, International Entrepreneurship Forum and Visiting Professor, Leuphana University, Luneburg, Germany
Speakers:
- Antoine Aubert, IP Digital Specialist, European Observatory on Infringements of IP Rights, EUIPO
- Francesco Molica, Director, EURADA, Belgium
- Stella Oikonomitsiou, International and Institutional Affairs Officer, Enterprise Greece, Greece
- Giovanni Rossi, General Director, Promos Italia, Italy
17:45 – 18:00 Summary of the outcomes and closing remarks
- Giovanni Zazzerini, Secretary General, INSME, Italy
20:00 Cocktail Reception
Tuesday 21 October
9:30 – 10:00 Welcome Coffee
10:00 – 11:00 INSME General Assembly
Members of the General Assembly are informed about ongoing and future activities, projects, and achievements, including the INSME 2024 financial statements and the forecast for 2025. Delegates share updates about their projects and initiatives, and new members introduce themselves. During the Assembly, members elect the new governance.
11:30 – 13:00 Brokerage Event
The Brokerage Event is a prime opportunity to connect, collaborate, and innovate with fellow INSME members and partners. Attendees will gain valuable insights into current funding opportunities in the EU and globally, share best practices, and forge new partnerships for ongoing and future project proposals. This event promises a dynamic environment for learning from peers, brainstorming and pitching new initiatives, and driving innovative projects.
Speakers:
- Federica de Curtis, Stakeholders Manager, China IP SME Helpdesk
- Patrick Meinhardt, Board Member and former Member of Parliament ESD and INSME,
Germany - Rima Jreich, Senior Policy and Regulatory Officer, RES4Africa Foundation
Hotel Information
INSME is pleased to suggest a selection of accommodations for your stay in Alicante.
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Eurostars Lucentum – 4 stars
Address: Av. Alfonso El Sabio, 11, 03002 Alicante, Spain Reservation. -
AC Hotel by Marriott Alicante – 4 stars
Address: Avenida de Elche, 3, 03008 Alicante, Spain Reservation.
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Meliá Alicante – 4 stars
Address: Plaza del Puerto, 3, 03001 Alicante, Spain Reservation.
Speakers:
 Guillermo Alarcón Director Secretaría Distrital de Desarrollo Económico, Colombia | Guillermo Alarcón is the Director of Business Development and Employment at Bogotá’s Secretariat of Economic Development. He holds a degree in Economics from the National University of Colombia. He has earned three master’s degrees: in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, in Economics from the University of the Andes in Colombia, and an MBA from the College of Advanced Studies in Administration (CESA). With over 14 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Guillermo has held significant roles including Director of Housing and Leasing at Asobancaria, Advisor at the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), and Specialized Professional at the Financial Regulation Unit (URF) within Colombia’s Ministry of Finance. Additionally, he has contributed to academia as a professor at several institutions, including UIS, Jorge Tadeo Lozano, and CESA. Guillermo’s extensive expertise makes him a leader in driving economic development and policy innovation in Colombia. |
 Francesca Alicata Head of External Relations SIMEST, Italy | Francesca Alicata is the Head of External Relations at SIMEST. She is a facilitator that works with organizations and companies, and her role is to support them and assist them in securing funding. She is also a Member of the MPMI working group for Small and Medium enterprises. She dedicated many years to International Relations. She manages relations of SIMEST with public and private institutions, such as the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Trade Commission, the Confederation of Italian Industries, and the foreign diplomatic network related to promoting Italian companies in emerging markets. She has managed over 50 government-sponsored trade missions in partnership with the Confederation of Italian Industries across North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. |
 Sergio Arzeni President International Network for SMEs – INSME, Italy | Sergio Arzeni is President of the International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises – INSME. Mr. Arzeni is also a Senior Advisor of Friends of Europe; an Executive Member of the Global Coalition for Efficient Logistics GCEL; Member of the Advisory Board of SRM, the Research Centre on the Mediterranean of Intesa San Paolo Bank, in Naples; Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies (published by Sage Publishing in London, New York and New Delhi). For over 30 years he has been the Director of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) in Paris responsible for SMEs, Local Economic and Employment Development, and Tourism. |
 Antoine Aubert IP Digital Specialist European Observatory on Infringements of IP Rights, EUIPO, Spain | Antoine is an experienced IP lawyer with a remarkable career spanning the video game industry, the European Commission, and major global tech companies. Since 2018, he has been part of the EUIPO Observatory on Infringements of IP Rights, where he leads critical initiatives, including cooperation with online intermediaries and exploring the impact of Generative AI on copyright |
 Patricia Beltrán Gonzálvez Lawyer Quinton Biotech Lab | Patricia Beltrán Gonzálvez is a lawyer at the international company Laboratoires Quinton International S.L., where she serves as Head of the Compliance Department and Compliance Officer, leading the corporate compliance strategy and risk management. She holds a Law degree from the University of Alicante and a Professional Master’s in Data Protection Auditing, Risk Management, and Cyber Compliance, endorsed and certified by International Business School, along with several specialized accreditations, including those issued by ISMS, which strengthen her expertise in international security and privacy standards. In her current role, she oversees the implementation of the company’s compliance management system, ensuring adherence to international regulations and fostering a corporate culture based on ethics and transparency. Her responsibilities include analyzing and developing national and international agreements, supervising internal policies, and implementing controls that guarantee the integrity and sustainability of the business. Through these initiatives, Quinton has established itself as a pioneering company in its sector, recognized for its commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance that enhance the organization’s resilience against global challenges. |
 Claudio Bergonzi Director Global IP enforcement Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Italy | Claudio Bergonzi, based in Milan, IT, is currently a Director Global IP enforcement at Alibaba Group. Claudio Bergonzi brings experience from previous roles at Amazon, INDICAM, OOO Overinternational Russia and Own firm. Claudio Bergonzi holds a Law degree. With a robust skill set that includes Marketing Strategy, Business Planning, Pricing, Enterprise Software, Product Management and more. |
 Sophia Bonne Senior Advisor Business Development Department, EUIPO, Spain | Sophia Bonne is a Senior Advisor in the Business Development Department at the European Union Intellectual Property Office ( EUIPO), where she is responsible for promoting the EU IP System. She has extensive experience in the fields of Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Information Security Law, having held various positions with significant responsibilities in these areas. She is also a qualified mediator (CiArb) at the Mediation Centre of the EUIPO and has practised other forms of dispute resolution, including litigation before the Court of Justice of the European Union. Additionally, she has served as a member of the Boards of Appeal of the Community Plant Variety Office in Angers, France. Before joining the EUIPO, she worked as an attorney at a leading international law firm in Brussels. She is a co-editor of a book on mediation, has published various articles, and has been a speaker at several events in the field of IP. |
 Inge Buffolo Director Business Development Department EUIPO, Spain | Inge Buffolo is Director of Business Development at EUIPO (European Union IP Office). With the objective of fostering innovation in the EU she is responsible for the promotion the IP system, SME support initiatives including the ‘Ideas Powered for business’ network, and IP Valuation. Since 2018 Inge has led the SME Programme, bringing IP information and protection to European SMEs. The SME Fund has to date provided financial support to over 63,000 SMEs to help them protect their IP rights. A German telecommunications engineer, Inge has been in the EUIPO management team since 2010, holding positions such as Head of Institutional Relations, Head of Business Analysis and Customer Department Director. |
 Ana Costa Paula Head of Department IAPMEI, Portugal | Ana Costa Paula is currently Head of the Department for Collective Efficiency, Innovation and Competitiveness at IAPMEI – the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation, where she leads national policies to enhance SME competitiveness, foster innovation, and support industrial clusters. She also serves as Coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network Portugal, the national branch of the world’s largest support network for SMEs and startups with international ambitions. With over 15 years of experience in business policy and innovation ecosystems, she previously headed the Business Policy Unit at the Directorate-General for Economic Activities, where she represented Portugal in several international bodies. She was Vice-Chair of the OECD Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurships (CSMEE), and Portuguese representative of the Committee on Industry, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), and also served as National Contact Point for the Digital Europe Programme, covering areas such as Digital Innovation Hubs and Testing and Experimentation Facilities. She holds a degree in Economics and a Postgraduate Programme in Public Administration. Throughout her career, she has been deeply engaged in shaping and implementing strategic public policies that connect businesses to innovation, internationalization, and sustainable growth opportunities. |
 João Carlos Costa General Counsel COTEC, Portugal | João Carlos Costa is a General Counsel at COTEC Portugal, the main Portuguese business association for the promotion of business innovation and technological cooperation. Previously, he was an external consultant at the Portuguese Administrative Modernization Agency, where he handled several projects for digital transformation of the Portuguese Public Administration. João holds a law degree from the University of Minho. |
 Lucia Cusmano Head of the SMEs and Entrepreneurship Division and Head of the Unit on SME and Entrepreneurship Transformation OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE), France | Lucia Cusmano is Deputy Head of the SME and Entrepreneurship Division at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE). Ms. Cusmano has a PhD in Economics from the University of Pavia (Italy) and has completed a Master of Science in Economics at Warwick University (UK). She has authored OECD works on SME financing, SME innovation, SME eco-innovation and green entrepreneurship, and benchmarking of SME and entrepreneurship policy. |
 Federica De Curtis. Stakeholders Manager, China IP SME Helpdesk | Federica De Curtis |
 Ignacio de Medrano Caballero Head of Promotion of the IP Systems EUIPO, Spain | Ignacio de Medrano Caballero is a senior official (AD14) of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) of Spanish nationality. He holds a degree in Law (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain), specialist degrees in Comparative Law (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium), European and International Law (Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium) and Public Administration (Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, Spain). He has extensive experience as a lecturer on Intellectual Property (IP) in several academic institutions and has written in French, English and Spanish numerous articles on different subjects related to IP. |
 Elio de Tullio Managing Partner & IPR Attorney De Tullio & Partners, Italy | Elio De Tullio is a lawyer and trademark attorney specialising in Intellectual Property, with 20 years of experience in assisting SMEs with the protection and exploitation of their intellectual property rights at the international level. After 10 years of experience in IP matters, he founded in 2005 the IP tech-law firm De Tullio & Partners, with offices in Rome and Bari and a liaison office in New York. He cooperates as an expert with EUIPO in Expert Groups (ECP6 – Supporting SMEs), EU Observatory Expert Groups (SMEs, Legal) and Working Groups (Enforcement). He cooperates as an expert with Italian Ministries (Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, and Agriculture), the European Commission (in particular, EASME as Coach of SME Instrument) and WIPO (SME Division). He is also an expert and lecturer of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE-ITA). Since 2015 he has been a Board Member of the International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (INSME). |
 Cosimo Del Vecchio Oversea Manager PLD, Italy | Cosimo Del Vecchio has a diverse career in research, consultancy, and international business development. After earning a degree in Political Science, he specialized in data analysis and social research methods at the University of Bari and Essex University. He worked as a sociology researcher for eight years and contributed to various Italian and international projects for the CNR and foundations. As the founder and CEO of Cesasm for eleven years, he led numerous socio-economic and export manager training studies for public bodies in Italy. He was also President of the European Business Innovation Center “BIC Puglia” for a decade, supporting SMEs in internationalization and European cooperation, while overseeing over 100 projects in seven European countries. Del Vecchio served as a board member of the European Business Network (EBN) and president of its Italian chapter. He also consulted for the European Commission on transnational cooperation projects for SMEs. His consulting experience extends to Soges SPA and Euros Consulting SpA, where he managed business development and finance integration projects, especially in the mechanical and aerospace sectors. In 2018, he founded the Sino-Italian Center for Industrial Innovation (PLD Global), focusing on industrial and cultural cooperation between Italy and China, with initiatives in robotics, digital technology, and hydrogen. He is currently president of PLD Global, with offices in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Rome, and Bari. |
 Andrea Di Anselmo President META Group, Italy | Andrea Di Anselmo is the vice president of META Group an international advisory and investment firm with offices in Italy, Slovenia, Poland, Sweden and Belgium (Brussels). He is the Past President of INSME (the International Network for SMEs), and sits on the Board of Directors of META Ventures, the fund management company operating Ingenium Funds, EURADA, the European Association of Regional Development Agencies and several companies. Andrea’s most recent professional experience is at an international level and concentrates on challenge-based innovation, innovation strategies (S3), financial tools and support to “Knowledge Intensive” enterprises and entrepreneurs, and exploitation of research results. He has a background as a civil engineer and research experience in materials science at the University of Storrs Connecticut (USA). |
 Andrea di Carlo Deputy Executive Director EUIPO, Spain | Andrea Di Carlo was appointed as Deputy Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office by the Council of the European Union in 2019. Previously, he was part of the Office’s management team leading different EUIPO functional areas such as institutional and external relations, international cooperation, enforcement related activities and customer services. Mr Di Carlo has contributed to the design and implementation of several successful initiatives undertaken by the Office in recent years such as the full digitalisation of the services offered to EUIPO users, the reshaping of the collaboration with national and regional IP offices of the EU through the Cooperation Fund and the Convergence Programme, the deployment of EU funded projects to enhance IP protection in third countries, and the establishment and development of the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights. Mr Di Carlo is a graduate in Law from Perugia University and holds an LLM in IP Law and a Master in Business Administration. |
 Sonia Fernandez Director of Projects Department AMEC, Spain | Sonia Fernández Mañas is a specialist in business development, internationalization, and industrial projects, with over 10 years of experience leading strategic projects and international partnerships to drive competitiveness and innovation in the industrial sector. As Director of the Projects and Partnerships Unit at amec (an association of internationalized industrial companies with over 350 members), she leads initiatives that promote digital transformation, industrial sustainability, and ecosystem development, fostering international alliances and sustainable growth strategies. With extensive experience in cluster formation and industrial ecosystem development, Sonia has driven projects that promote business collaboration and strengthen value chains. Her international background includes market expansion support and assisting companies in their internationalization processes. Additionally, she is a board member at ANIMA Investment Network, supporting economic cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, and a guest lecturer at the University of Barcelona and the University of Girona. Sonia actively participates in high-level international forums, addressing topics such as Industry 5.0, digital transformation, value chains, industrial sustainability, the Positive Industry approach, and the strategic role of clusters and ecosystems in driving global industrial competitiveness. |
 Andrés Fullana Professor of Chemical Engineering University of Alicante, Spain | Andrés Fullana is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Alicante and a member of the “Engineering for the Circular Economy (E4EC)” research group at the University of Alicante. Andrés completed his Doctoral Thesis between 1997-2001 on the pyrolysis/combustion of tires and sewage sludge (http://hdl.handle.net/10045/3514). During his thesis, he initiated analyses of different pollutants produced during the incineration of these materials: PAHs, chlorophenols, chlorobenzenes, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans (PCDD/F). After his thesis, he completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship with a Fulbright scholarship at the University of Dayton (USA). During this period, he studied the mechanisms of formation of chlorinated contaminants produced during waste incineration. |
 Andreas Jahn Member of the Federal Executive Board BVMW, Germany | Andreas Jahns marked interest in political themes is demonstrated in his active work for the Foundation of Basic Values and the Promotion of Understanding among People as the Representative of the Berlin Office since 2004. The work of this organization has primarily to do with the prevention of global conflicts. Global leaders are invited once a year to the International Berlin Gathering and are encouraged to take part in forums and personal discussions for a peaceful settlement of their conflicts. Andreas Jahn had multiple opportunities to take part in these discussions and get a view into the complex mechanisms of trust building measures using his personal relationships to Heads of State. He has been many times in Africa for mediation and peace building missions. Since October 2009, Andreas Jahn is working at the Bundestag as a Senior Foreign Policy Advisor of Johannes Selle, Member of Parliament in the Committee of Economic Development. In that capacity, he observed Parliamentarian and Presidential Elections in many countries. Since 2019 Andreas Jahn is Director of Government Affairs and Foreign Trade at the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses the biggest voluntarily organized and cross-sectoral economic interest group for the German SMEs. Andreas Jahn is internationally well connected. He is since 2020 the Secretary General of the German SME-Alliance for Africa and the President of the German-Turkmen Forum. |
 Rima Jreich, Senior Policy and Regulatory Officer RES4Africa Foundation | Rima Jreich |
 Elisavet Karagiampi Team Lead for SME fund EUIPO, Spain | Elisavet Karagiampi is passionate about helping small businesses protect and grow their ideas. As Team Lead for SME Fund at the EUIPO, she blends years of experience in intellectual property, project management, innovation, and marketing—from the Greek Trademark Office to global health care industries—to drive meaningful impact across Europe. |
 Sophia Kassidova Head of Strategy and Green Policies BDB, Bulgaria | |
 Orkhan Mammadov Chairman of the Board Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan | Orkhan Vidadi Oglu Mammadov was born in Baku in 1984 and in 2005, graduated from the International Relations Faculty of Baku State University. In 2005, I completed the Business and Finance program at Regent’s University London. In 2009, I earned an MBA degree at Odlar Yurdu University. In 2012, earned a second bachelor’s degree in Finance and Credit at Azerbaijan State University of Economics. In 2006, started to work at the Ministry of Industry and Energy. From March 2007 to February 2018, held various positions at the Ministry of Economy, including serving as senior advisor and deputy head of the business development policy sector, deputy head of the foreign economic relations sector and head of the interstate economic cooperation sector. During his employment in the Ministry of Economy, participated in nearly 100 international meetings of various working groups and joint intergovernmental commissions, and was directly involved in the organization of a number of international events. On February 27, 2018, was appointed Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Fluently speaks Azerbaijani, English, Russian and Turkish. |
 Simona Marzetti Head of European and International Affairs Directorate General for the industrial property – Italian Patent and Trademark Office, MIMIT, Italy. | Simona Marzetti is in charge of multilateral and bilateral relations at EU and international level, including managing collaboration agreements, Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation projects with EU bodies, International Organizations and IP National Offices. Her position is focused on policies and initiatives for the promotion, protection and enforcement of industrial property rights. She is the contact point for activities and initiatives with the European Commission, EUIPO, EPO, WIPO. She organizes, in collaboration with international partners such as EUIPO, EPO and WIPO, training and information activities targeting SMEs, business intermediaries and IP professionals. |
 Patrick Meinhardt, Board Member Alliance of Associations, Germany | Since 2021, Patrick Meinhardt is Member of the Board of Directors, European Association of Self Employed. Since August 2014, Mr. Meinhardt was responsible for Public Affairs, Public Relations, Economics, Cooperation with Associations and Foreign Trade as Head of Politics and Public Relations at the BVMW Federal Office Berlin (Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft Unternehmerverband Deutschland e.V.). In addition, he coordinates the European policy and the Brussels office and strengthens the federal management of the association. From 2005 to 2013 he was a member of the German Bundestag. Here he was spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group for education and the group “Christians in the FDP parliamentary group”. |
 Jay Mitra Founder IEF International Entrepreneurship Forum and Director Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Essex University Business School, UK | Jay Mitra is a Professor of Business Enterprise and Innovation. He is a Visiting Scholar at Luneburg University in Germany and has held Visiting Professorships at the Institute of Management Technology in India, the School of Management, Fudan University in China, Bologna University, in Italy and Externado University in Colombia. He has acted as a Scientific Adviser to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in Paris. Prof. Mitra is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in the UK and is a board member of INSME (International Network of SMEs) headquartered in Rome. He also leads the International Entrepreneurship Forum (IEF) a unique network and forum for researchers, policymakers and business practitioners working on entrepreneurship, innovation and regional development. He has written widely on different aspects of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development, and his latest book is ‘The Business of Innovation’ published by Sage in 2017. He is the editor of the ‘Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, also published by Sage and a member of the board of numerous refereed journals around the world. He has worked with various institutions around the world such as UNCTAD, UNIDO, ASEAN, EU and other government agencies and private sector organisations. |
 Péter Mogyorósi CEO LC Innoconsult, Hungary | Dr. Péter Mogyorósi has a degree of PhD in Physics from JATE University, Szeged. He was a researcher in various European universities (JATE, Szeged; JHKU, Linz; Uppsala University) from 1984-1992. His research area was: Laser-induced micro-fabrication of solid surfaces. He published 25 scientific papers and received the Young Scientist Award of European Material Society in 1988. He has extensive practical experience in innovation management, research-industry co-operations, technology transfer and project development for international clients based on 30+ years’ work experience. He has participated as guest lecturer in many trainings and seminars on innovation management, commercialization and exploitation. In addition he holds presentations and speeches at different national and international events (conferences, seminars, workshops). He has been the CEO of LC Innoconsult since 1992. |
 Francesco Molica Director EURADA, Belgium | Francesco Molica, based in Brussels, BE, is currently a Director at EURADA – European Association of Development Agencies. Francesco Molica brings experience from previous roles at TIMES² – Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (Universite’ libre d, European Commission and Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR). Francesco Molica holds a PhD candidate in Economics and Management @ Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management. |
 Pilar Montero Professor of Commercial Law Universidad de Alicante, Spain | PIlar Montero is a Commercial Law Professor, Expert of the Observatory Online Platform Economy European Commission, Director of the Alicante Master on Intellectual Property and Digital Innovation, Magister Lvcentinvs, University of Alicante, ES Prof. Dr. Pilar Montero is Intellectual Property Law Professor at the Commercial Law Department of the University of Alicante, Doctor (PhD) in Law by the University Complutense (Madrid). She is Director of the Master on Intellectual Property and Digital Innovation of the University of Alicante, Magister Lvcentinvs. She has widely published books and articles on IP and Digital environment. She is member of the expert group on the online platform economy at the European Commission. She is also member of the EUIPO Observatory Legal Expert group. As an Intellectual Property expert, she has been involved in the work of several European and international institutions, including the European Parliament, WIPO, European Commission, EUIPO and the Spanish patent and trade mark office (OEPM). She is also part of the GIs Research Unit of the Commercial Law Department of the University of Alicante, leading the Academic Specialist Diploma ‘Distinctive Signs of Quality and Plant Breeding’. |
 Stella Oikonomitsiou Advisor Enterprise Greece, Greece | Stella Oikonomitsiou works in the International and Institutional Affairs Directorate of Enterprise Greece, the official investment and trade promotion agency of the Greek State. Prior to this, she worked for 11 years at the Hellenic Competition Commission acquiring significant experience in regulatory policy, competition economics and law, and EC working groups. Stella started her career in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit firm. During her studies at Aalborg University, Denmark she delved into innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity and Artificial Intelligence. Her professional experience and interests entail SMEs, innovation, digital transformation and new technologies. |
 Esteban Pelayo CEO Alicante Science Park, Spain | Esteban Pelayo is a recognised European innovation and regional-development leader with 25+ years’ experience helping businesses and public bodies turn ideas into growth. He is Managing Director (CEO) of the Alicante Science Park (PCA), where he drives the expansion of 50+ tech companies through R&D cooperation with the University of Alicante, access to funding, internationalisation, and talent attraction. Previously, Esteban served as Director of EURADA – the European Association of Development Agencies (Brussels), building partnerships across Europe and advising on smart specialisation, cluster policy, technology transfer, and SME growth. Earlier roles include EU Policy Officer in the Region of Murcia’s Brussels Office, coordination of technology centres and intellectual property at the Regional Development Agency of Murcia (INFO), and technology transfer at the University of Alicante (OTRI). He has contributed to European expert groups and initiatives, including the IMP³rove Advisory Board, the European Commission’s Mirror Group for Smart Specialisation, the Structured Dialogue with ESI Funds expert group, and as an H2020 expert evaluator. Esteban’s work spans 30+ countries. He holds an Agricultural Engineering degree (University of Córdoba) and a university specialisation in patents & innovation (University of Alicante). He works in Spanish and English (with French as a working language). |
 Robert Pocklington Vicente IP Expert Latin America IP SME Helpdesk, Belgium | Robert Pocklington is an Intellectual Property Consultant and Advisor at the Latin America IPR SME Helpdesk. At his current job, he is responsable of match-making, dissemination and training events, IP content support, among other areas. He has a Degree in Law at the Universidad Católica San Antonio (UCAM) in Murcia and a Master in Laws (LLM) in Intellectual Property at the University of Alicante, both in Spain. He has also completed the CopyrightX Online Course with Harvard University. His professional experience started at the European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich, thanks to the 1-year Pan-European Seal Programme. After that, he worked for the European Patent Institute (epi) in Munich for 16 months as coordinator of different epi Committees.Mr Pocklington has also national experience in Law, thanks to several internships carried out at Garrigues Law Firm and Francisca Botella’s Office, both in Murcia, Spain. |
 Giovanni Rossi General Director Promos, Italy | Giovanni Rossi joined Promos Italia after a notable tenure at ING Italia, where he served as Head of Business Banking Development. In this role, he developed the strategic plan for the group’s business offerings tailored to Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Before his time at ING, Giovanni had a successful career in the banking sector, directing the physical distribution of “CheBanca!” across the national market. Before that, he worked at Intesa San Paolo, where he played a key role in revitalizing acquired networks through mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the development of retail and SME segments in various regions. With extensive experience in banking and business development, Giovanni brings valuable insights into fostering growth and innovation within the SME landscape. His expertise positions him as a key figure in promoting sustainable economic development and enhancing business opportunities for Italian enterprises. |
 Roberto Santolamazza Director t2i Trasferimento Teconologico e Innovazione, Italy | Roberto Santolamazza holds a Master Course degree in Car Engineering (MBA) and a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering (Industrial Automation and Robotics) from Padua University, Italy. Prior to joining t2i – trasferimento tecnologico e innovazione as Managing Director, Roberto has managed an innovation agency, Treviso Tecnologia, and worked for several years in a major consulting firm, Accenture. Previously, he worked for a widely famous Italian Car Manufacturer, Ferrari SpA, and at the European Technical Center of a major Japanese multinational electronics company located in Holland, Omron Corporation, as a visiting fellow. He’s an Adjunct Professor of Innovation and Development Economics at the Cà Foscari University in Venice. |
 Manuel Seuffert Director Kearney IMP³ROVE, Germany | Manuel Seuffert is the director of IMPROVE, Kearney’s competence center for innovation management. Prior to this role, he worked at Kearney as a Business-building accelerator to build innovative new businesses and assets to overcome the biggest challenges of stakeholders. He was also the founder of Digimaniac and a freelancer for business consulting, planning, optimizing and offering startup coaching and business plan expertise gained from a Master of Science in General Management and a Bachelor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. |
 Saskia Smits International Cooperation Officer Benelux Office for Intellectual Property , Netherlands | Saskia Smits, based in The Hague, ZH, NL, is currently a International Cooperation Officer at Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP). Saskia Smits brings experience from previous roles at Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) and Arnold & Siedsma. Saskia Smits holds a 1997 – 2002 Master in Law, Intellectual Property @ Universiteit Leiden. With a robust skill set that includes Trademarks, Intellectual Property, Project Management, Legal Advice, Legal Writing and more. |
 Katrin Sturm Secretary General AECM, Brussels | Katrin has been working in Brussels since 2001. At AECM since November 2013, Katrin has worked for the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), for the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) as well as for the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Small Businesses (ZDH) being at the same time the EU Representative of the Association of German Guarantee Banks (VDB). She graduated from the University of Passau (Germany) in Law, was at the University of Angers (France) for the Erasmus project, then passed the second state exam in law in Potsdam (Germany), and finally acquired a Master of Law from the University of Aberdeen (Scotland). Next to her mother tongue German Katrin speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish, understands Dutch and reads Portuguese. Katrin is Honorary Consultant of Taiwan SMEG, a credit guarantee institution specialized in supporting SMEs in Taiwan in getting access to finance. |
 Boyko Takov CEO Bulgarian Development Agency, Bulgaria | Dr Boyko Takov is the Executive Director of The Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency, appointed by an Order of the Minister of Economy, Mr Emil Karanikolov, dated November 12, 2018. Dr. Takov has a proven executive management track record and over 12 years of experience in business management. He spent four years at The Executive Agency “State Property of the Ministry of Defense“, where he served in various expert positions. From 2008 to 2012 he was CEO and member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian subsidiary company of a leading South Korean energy company. He earned his doctorate in Economics, Industrial Engineering and Management at the Technical University in Sofia and his Master’s degree in Marketing and Economics at the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. |
 Hamsa Thota Founder and President BD Inc., USA | Dr. Hamsa Thota is the founder and president of US-based Innovation Business Development (IBD), Inc., a company specializing in product innovation performance improvement. He has 40 years of accomplishments as an inventor, entrepreneur, innovator, and teacher. He trains and consults with organizations to improve new product success rates in the US, China and India. He holds 10 U.S. patents. He co-authored “Key concepts in Innovation”, a fundamental reference book for practitioners, students and scholars of innovation. He served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Art of Science Learning (ASL) project. Under his guidance, ASL project teams explored connections among arts-based learning and scientific innovation. Working in Innovation Incubators operating in San Diego, Chicago and Worcester, MA, the project teams developed STEM-based novel solutions to pressing civic challenges. |
 Giovanni Zazzerini Secretary General INSME, Italy | Dr. Giovanni Zazzerini is the Secretary General of INSME – International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises, a legally recognised organisation founded in 2004 by the Ministry of Economic Development and the OECD. Since 2008 he has been working as an expert for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Development Cooperation projects in China and Vietnam. Since 2012 he has been an expert for the European Commission Service offering assistance in the valorisation of research results, the commercialisation of innovation and the development of business plans. Previously, for almost 15 years, he worked as a consultant in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises. He is also adjunct professor of Marketing at LUISS Guido Carli University. His areas of specialisation are innovation management, entrepreneurship and marketing. |
 Paola Zerilli Senior Lecturer University of York, UK | Dr. Paola Zerilli is a distinguished academic and expert in finance. She currently serves as the Director of the MSc in Finance and Investment at the University of York, where she is also a Senior Lecturer in Finance. Dr. Zerilli lectures in the Department and her expertise lies in applied financial econometrics, with a particular focus on energy derivatives. She has direct experience with financial markets, having worked for several years as a trader on Italian Treasury bonds at Crédit Agricole Indosuez, Milan branch. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Zerilli is the Scientific Coordinator for the SUPER-i, SUPERSHINE, and MARINEWIND projects at HORIZON2020 and HORIZON EUROPE, initiatives of the EU Commission. Her expertise spans various areas, including financial derivatives, risk management, and quantitative finance. She is actively involved in interdisciplinary research projects and collaborates with industry professionals to bridge the gap between academia and the finance industry. Dr. Zerilli is also a sought-after speaker at international conferences and seminars. Her work not only enhances the academic community but also provides valuable insights for financial practitioners and policymaker. |
