20th INSME Annual Meeting

“Unlocking Sustainable Finance for SMEs”

14 – 15 October 2024

Rome, Italy

Co-organized with:

 

BACKGROUND

INSME is pleased to celebrate its 20th Anniversary this upcoming October, alongside its members and partners. 

The idea of launching an international initiative for SMEs was conceived in 2000 by the Italian Government and introduced as part of the OECD Bologna Process on SMEs, which was a set of endeavours agreed to by OECD members to implement recommendations adopted during the OECD Ministerial Conference on SMEs and Globalisation in June 2000. The resolutions in the first OECD Ministerial Conference on SMEs were set forth in the Bologna Charter in SME policies which included a reference to the set-up of INSME as a gateway and effective interlocutor for governments committed to implementing policies in support of SMEs. Thus, in February 2004 the network became an independent legal entity, increasing its partnerships and activities and enhancing its commitment to SMEs through several projects, initiatives, and policies.

CONFERENCE THEME

In recent years, the global agenda has recognized the urgency of addressing societal, climate changes as one of the most pressing issues facing countries, leading to the increase of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations impacting small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide. Global efforts to achieve climate mitigation are particularly significant in the economic sphere and have crucial effects and consequences for entrepreneurship and SMEs. Indeed, tackling the climate crisis calls for the green and net zero transition of millions of SMEs, which have a significant aggregate environmental footprint (at least 50% of the greenhouse gas emissions of the business sector) and need to adopt cleaner business models. Moreover, as eco-entrepreneurs and eco-innovators, SMEs also have a critical role to play in devising innovative climate solutions (OECD, 2024).

In light of this, the demand for more sustainable products and greater transparency and accountability of financial institutions and large corporations concerning their environmental and social performance has grown in recent years, prompting even SMEs to adopt the new financial sustainability and ESG integration standards as customers seem more incline to favour sustainable businesses and products. Examples of this include the mandatory sustainability report (European Commission, 2023) for large companies which is promoted by the European Commission and its ripple effect on smaller realities. 

The 20th INSME Annual Meeting aims to explore the new dynamics of sustainable finance with a focus on ESG integration, and to study their present and future impact on SMEs, highlighting the main obstacles they face in adopting sustainable financial practices and the opportunities that may arise from its implementation. Although most SMEs are only at the beginning of their journey to net zero and account for a relatively small share of sustainable finance investments, they need to equip themselves with the financial tools and resources needed to align with the new demands of investors, regulators, and policymakers. 

Accordingly, the drivers for Financial Institutions (FIs) and large enterprises to provide sustainable finance to SMEs are growing. Increased demand for sustainable finance from investors, reputational considerations, and the emergence of new products and market opportunities afforded by the green and net zero transition are driving financial actors such as banks, FIs, venture capital, and large corporations to adopt sustainable solutions and apply them in their value chains. Equally, SMEs are encouraged to align with the new standards as their participation in value chains, access to finance and competitiveness increasingly depend on businesses’ ability to measure, report on, and improve their sustainability performance (OECD, 2022).

Nevertheless, the road to green growth is marked by several constraints for SMEs. When it comes to accessing sustainable finance, besides the longstanding barriers in accessing finance resulting in limited access to capital markets and difficulties in obtaining loans, SMEs face additional challenges. It is therefore crucial to investigate the main shortcomings and hurdles that slow down the green transition for SMEs to structure tailored policies, recommendations, and guidelines. It is, thus, necessary to consider the main difficulties faced by SMEs such as the lack of data related to SMEs’ environmental performance, lack of a homogeneous methodological approach to define and measure environmental sustainability, lack of knowledge and expertise, technological, market and regulatory uncertainty and resource constraints (OECD, 2024).

In conclusion, ensuring that SMEs have access to affordable financing suitable for their sustainability-related needs is an essential priority for policymakers, financial institutions, and governments seeking to accelerate the business sector’s net zero transition.

Feel free to read Prof. Jay Mitra’s Issue Paper “ESG and SMEs The State of Play” to delve further into this topic, as it was developed exclusively for INSME’s Annual Meeting. 

CONFAPI – The Italian Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

VENUE

Unioncamere – Sala Longhi, Piazza Sallustio 21, 00187, Rome, Italy

Unioncamere, formally known as Unione Italiana delle Camere di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato e Agricoltura, represents the system of Italian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, and Agriculture. Established to support and promote the interests of businesses across Italy, UNIONCAMERE comprises a network of over 60 Chambers of Commerce nationwide. These chambers serve as crucial intermediaries between local businesses and governmental authorities, offering a range of services that include business registration, trade promotion, market research, and economic development initiatives.

AGENDA

The Agenda may be subject to change depending on speaker availability. Please check the page for updates.

N.B. All times are indicated in CEST, please check your time zone here.

The working language of the conference will be English.

Conference Program – Monday 14 October 2024

9:00 – 10:00 Registration and Welcome Coffee

10:00 – 11:00 Opening speeches  

• Sergio Arzeni, President, INSME, Italy
• Cristian Camisa, President, Confapi, Italy
• Pietro Infante, Head of Internationalization, Unioncamere, Italy
• Christoph Ahlhaus, President, BVMW-German Mittelstand, Germany
• Bruce Billson, Ombudsman Small Enterprises and Family business, Australia
• Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board, KOBIA, Azerbaijan

11:00 – 11:10 Financing SMEs for Sustainability

• Miriam Koreen – Senior Consellor on SMEs, OECD, France

11:10 – 12:10 Session 1: Sustainable finance, is it an oxymoron?

The role of key economic and financial players is pivotal in driving the transformation of SMEs towards sustainable finance by leveraging their influence, resources, and expertise to foster a culture of sustainability within the SME sector. From banks to investors, these entities can leverage their influence and resources to drive sustainable practices within SMEs. Moreover, the discussion will focus on elucidating the primary tools and mechanisms available to aid SMEs in meeting the stringent standards mandated by sustainable finance initiatives.

The panel will discuss the following issues:

• What is the role of key economic and financial players in supporting the transformation of SMEs toward sustainable finance?
• What are the main tools to help SMEs comply with the standards required by sustainable finance?

Chair: Prof. Jay Mitra, Founder of IEF, Essex Business School, United Kingdom

Panel discussion with:

• Mariangela Siciliano, Head of Education, Business Promotion and Supply Chain, SACE, Italy
• Andrea di Anselmo, President, META Group, Italy
• Sophia Kassidova, Head of Strategy and Green policies, BDB, Bulgaria
• Aladdin D. Rillo, Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations for the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Indonesia.

12:10 – 13:00 Session 2: Integrating ESG and Innovation

Integrating ESG principles into SME policies yields significant benefits in fostering innovation, enhancing social impact, securing competitive advantage, and promoting sustainability. This approach, indeed, drives innovation by encouraging the development of sustainable products and processes, thereby opening new market opportunities and customer bases, while also enhancing resource efficiency and reducing operational costs. Moreover, this commitment to sustainability allows SMEs to attract socially responsible investors and unlock funding and opportunities.

The panel will address the following issues:

• How can SMEs thrive by integrating ESG?
• What are the opportunities and innovation benefits of integrating ESG?

Chair: Giovanni Zazzerini, Secretary General, INSME, Italy

Panel discussion with:

• Stella Oikonomitsiou, Advisor, Enterprise Greece, Greece
• Martin Ruppert, Managing Director, IMP³ROVE, Germany
• Guillermo Alarcón, Director, Secretaría Distrital de Desarrollo Económico, Colombia
• José J. Izquierdo-Peris, Adviser, EUIPO Business Development Department, Spain
• Roberto Santolamazza, Director, t2i Trasferimento Tecnologico e Innovazione, Italy

13:00 – 14:00 Networking Lunch

14:00 – 14:30 Demo SACE ESG Hub

• Simona Vultaggio, Manager Education & Connect Solutions, SACE, Italy

14:30 – 15:30 Session 3: Supporting Policies and ESG Regulation

Stricter environmental regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms could impose compliance costs and operational constraints on SMEs, particularly those with high carbon emissions. Speakers will analyze the existing regulatory landscape and discuss what is being done, and what must be done to ensure SMEs don’t drown in the sea of sustainability.

The panel will address the following issues:

• What are the main regulatory barriers SMEs face in complying with ESGs?
• What has been the feedback from SMEs thus far in pilots or in the framework already in use?

Chair: Hamsa Thota, Founder of Innovation Business Development Inc., USA

Panel Discussion with:

• Rufat Atakishiyev, Deputy Chairman of the Board, KOBIA, Azerbaijan
• Lorenzo Liotta, ESG Manager, SIMEST, Italy
• Giovanni Rossi, General Director, Promos, Italy
• Lishia Erza, Chair, APINDO – Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia/Indonesia Employers Organisation, Indonesia
• Abdelfattah Alkayed, CEO, Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, Jordan

15:30 – 16:30 Session 4: The Twin Transition

The twin transition encompasses the concurrent digital and green transformations necessary to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs. Achieving this requires SMEs to cultivate crucial digital competencies, including advanced digital literacy, proficiency in data analytics, sustainable operational practices, and innovation management capabilities. However, SMEs encounter several challenges such as constrained financial resources, limited access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, and the intricate challenge of integrating digital advancements with environmentally sustainable practices.

The panel will address the following issues:

• How can SMEs harness the twin transition to improve their ESG performance?
• What is a success story of positively leveraging ESG to tackle the twin transition?

Chair: Paola Zerilli, Senior Lecturer, University of York, England

Panel Discussion with:

• Arnaldo Abruzzini, Sustainability Senior Advisor, Unioncamere, Italy
• Said Charna, Senior Advisor, Union for the Mediterranean, Spain
• Boyko Takov, CEO, Bulgarian SME Promotion Agency, Bulgaria
• Sebastiano Toffaletti, Secretary General, European Digital SME Alliance, Belgium
• Patrick Meinhardt, Board Member, Alliance of Associations, Germany

16:30-17:00 Summary of the outcomes and closing remarks

20:00 – 22:00 Gala Dinner (upon invitation)

INSME General Assembly – Tuesday 15 October 2024

9:00-10:00 INSME Board Meeting

10:00 – 11:00 INSME General Assembly (Members Only)

Members of the General Assembly are informed about ongoing and future activities, projects and achievements, including the INSME 2023 financial statements and the forecast for 2024. Delegates share updates about their projects and initiatives and new members introduce themselves.

11:00 – 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 forward innovative projects.

If you would like to make a short pitch of your organization, present a project opportunity to be developed jointly or if you are looking for a partnership, please get in touch with the INSME secretariat at secretariat@insme.org. The agenda will be as follows:

11:00 – 11:20 Introduction, description of the main objectives and focus on the AccelerAction EU project as ice-breaker

11:20 – 12:55 Participant pitches. Each entity will have 5-10 minutes. There will be time to discuss potential areas of collaboration.

Participants:

• Mduduzi Dlamini & Caswell Maloka, Managers & Specialist of Research and Development, SEDA, South Africa
• Enzo Faloci, Internationalization Expert, Faloci & Partners, Italy
• Said Charna, Senior Advisor, Union for Mediterranean, Spain
• José Izquierdo-Peris, Advisor, EUIPO Business Development Department, Spain
• Belal Darwish, Technical Specialist, Setera Cloud Communications, Italy
• Rima Jreich, Advisor on Networking & Partnerships, Italy
• Giovanni Rossi, General Director, Promos, Italy
• Andreas Jahn, Member of the Federal Executive Board, BVMW, Germany

12:55 – 13:00 Closing remarks

Registration

Participants can easily register for the annual meeting by accessing the registration link. This online platform allows individuals to securely submit their information and confirm their attendance at the event. Completing all required fields accurately ensures efficient organization and preparation. INSME eagerly anticipates welcoming attendees and encourages prompt registration to facilitate seamless participation.

Speakers

Arnaldo Abruzzini Sustainability Senior Advisor Unioncamere	Arnaldo Abruzzini is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a successful background in European organization management. He has initiated several companies and projects, now focusing on sustainability and finance. He served as the CEO of Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, for over 20 years, advocating for SMEs and promoting cross-border trade. He has a robust professional network of business representatives worldwide and frequently collaborates with European institutions to shape policies that benefit businesses. Currently, he works as a Sustainability Senior Advisor for Unioncamere, supporting initiatives for sustainable economic growth and development across Italy.
Christoph Ahlhaus CEO German Mittelstand (BVMW)	Before he was appointed Federal Managing Director of the BVMW eV in July 2023, Christoph Ahlhaus was a member of the German parliament, a councilor, an interior senator, and the first mayor of Hamburg. As chairman of the Conference of Interior Ministers in 2010, Ahlhaus earned cross-party respect as a close advisor to the federal government in internal security. Ahlhaus has been working as an independent lawyer in Berlin since 2004. He has also made a name for himself in legal circles with his expert opinion on the constitutionality of the IT Security Act. Further stations were the German University for Administrative Sciences in Speyer and the German-American Chamber of Commerce in New York. As General Secretary of the Federal Economic Senate, the excellence committee, and think tank of the BVMW, Ahlhaus has made a name for itself as a knowledgeable supporter of medium-sized companies for many years.
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.
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.
Rufat Atakishiyev Deputy Chairman of the Board KOBIA, Azerbaijan	Rufat Tofig oghlu Atakishiyev, born in 1985, is an accomplished Azerbaijani scholar and public servant. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in International Law and International Relations from Baku State University between 2001 and 2007, followed by a second bachelor’s degree in Law from 2010 to 2013. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. From 2006 to 2011, Rufat served as an assistant to the Chairman of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs. He then led the Foreign Investments Sector at the Ministry of Economy from 2012 to 2018. His international experience includes attending training events and organizing numerous international events in Azerbaijan. On February 6, 2020, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA). Rufat is fluent in English and Russian.
Bruce Billson Ombudsman Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise (ASBFEO)	Bruce Billson is a respected Australian politician and business advocate. Born on January 26, 1966, he served as the Member for Dunkley from 1996 to 2016 with the Liberal Party. As Minister for Small Business from 2013 to 2015, Billson worked to reduce red tape and enhance support for small businesses. After retiring from politics, he became the Executive Chairman of the Franchise Council of Australia and was appointed Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in 2021. In these roles, Billson has been a steadfast champion for small business owners and family enterprises, advocating for their rights and working to ensure their success in a competitive market. His dedication and expertise have made him a key figure in Australia’s business community.
Cristian Camisa President Confapi, Italy	Cristian Camisa is President of Confapi, the Italian Confederation of small and medium-sized industries, the most important Italian organization of small and medium private industries (116.000 industries and 1,2 million employees). He is President and CEO of T.T.A. (Tecno Taglio Acciai), a family business founded in 1976, specialising in cutting, trading, and processing sheet metal, special and stainless steel. He has been a member of the national board of Confapi since 2012 and in 2020 he became Vice President. He was also President of Confapi Industria Piacenza, the local association of Confapi. Since July 2015 he has been a member of the Central-Northern Italy Advisory Board of Unicredit, one of the most important Italian banks.
Said Charna Senior Advisor Union for the Mediterranean, Spain	Said Charna is an accomplished diplomat currently serving as Senior Advisor for the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), an intergovernmental organization promoting regional dialogue and cooperation among 42 member states from Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. With a distinguished career in international relations and diplomacy, Said has been instrumental in advancing Algeria’s interests on global platforms while fostering collaborative relationships with countries worldwide. His strategic acumen and negotiation skills have been pivotal in shaping bilateral and multilateral agreements that enhance peace, security, and economic development. Said Charna’s expertise also encompasses cultural diplomacy and sustainable development initiatives. His role at UfM underscores his commitment to promoting stability and prosperity through diplomatic channels, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in Mediterranean affairs.
Andrea Di Anselmo CEO 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).
Lishia Erza Director Indonesian SME Association	Lishia Erza is a distinguished leader in sustainable finance and digital transformation initiatives in Indonesia. As the Executive Board & Investment Working Group Advisor for KEM, she spearheads efforts to mobilize USD 200 million into sustainable businesses, particularly benefiting SMEs in sustainable commodities. Her leadership at ASYX earned global acclaim, being recognized as the World’s Best Sustainable Finance Solutions Provider in Supply Chain Finance by Global Finance Magazine. Lishia’s influence extends internationally; she co-authored Indonesia’s sustainable investment guidelines at the G20 Summit and is a noted speaker on renewable energy finance and sustainable agriculture. Recognized in multiple prestigious lists including the Global Top 100 Women in Supply Chain and Top 100 Women in Fintech, Lishia continues to drive impactful change through entrepreneurship, coaching, and advocacy for sustainable practices.
Abed Fattah AlKayed CEO Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, Jordan	Abdel Fattah Al Kayed is the CEO of Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) and a respected marketing expert, branding strategist, and advocate for startup and SME policies. He previously served on the Board of trustees of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) and founded the Daem Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and public opinion shaping. With over 25 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Al Kayed drives initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, attract investments, and enhance Jordan’s business competitiveness. His strategic leadership and media savvy amplify the impact of developmental efforts, positioning JEDCO at the forefront of economic development in the Middle East.
Pietro Infante Head of Internationalisation Unioncamere, Italy	Pietro Infante, born in 1983, is an Italian business professional with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Rome. He has over ten years of experience in the banking sector, holding various roles that focus on investment strategies and risk management. Currently, he serves as the Head of Internationalization at Unioncamere, where he works on enhancing the global competitiveness of Italian businesses. He advocates for sustainable business practices and participates in initiatives that promote corporate responsibility. Fluent in English and Italian, he speaks at conferences on topics related to finance and entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Pietro is interested in traveling and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs.
José J. Izquierdo-Peris Adviser EUIPO Business Development Department EUIPO, Spain	José Izquierdo is a legal expert specializing in EU law and intellectual property. He holds a Master’s in EU Law from the College of Europe, a Specialist Degree in Trade Marks and Designs from the University of Alicante, and a University Degree in Private Law from the University of Valencia. José began his career in 1996 at the European Commission’s DG Internal Market. In 2000, he joined the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as Assistant to the Director of the Designs Department. He later served as Legal Adviser, Secretary, and Chairman of the Enlargement Task Force. In 2008, he transitioned to the field of cooperation, becoming Head of Service in 2011 and Deputy Director of International Cooperation in 2014. In June 2020, he was appointed Director for Digital Transformation at EUIPO, overseeing digital projects and operations. As of July 2024, he serves as Adviser to the Director of the Business Development Department at EUIPO.
Sophia Kassidova Head of Strategy and Green Policies BDB, Bulgaria	Sophia Kassidova has over 25 years of distinguished experience in banking, finance, and government consultancy across the Black Sea region and Central and Eastern Europe. Currently leading strategic and sustainable development at the BDB (Bulgarian Development Bank), she focuses on integrating sustainable finance principles into bank operations. Sophia’s career highlights include serving as Vice-Minister of Economy and Vice-Minister of Transport during Bulgaria’s 2001-2005 government, where she negotiated crucial reforms and financing agreements with international institutions. She also served as CFO of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank and held roles in commercial banking and the Bulgarian National Bank. Sophia holds academic credentials from Oxford University, University of Reading, Central European University, and the University of National and World Economy in Sofia. Fluent in English, Greek, Russian, and Czech, Sophia embodies a deep commitment to sustainable development and economic reform.
Miriam Koreen Senior Counsellor on SMEs OECD, France	Ms. Miriam Koreen is the Senior Counsellor on SMEs at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). She has been with the OECD since 2000, initially analyzing entrepreneurship and SME policies in the Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry. From 2011 to 2018, she served as Deputy Director and Head of the SME and Entrepreneurship Division. Additionally, Ms. Koreen held roles as Counsellor to the Trade Directorate from 2002 to 2007 and as an Advisor in the Office of the Secretary-General from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, she became the Senior Project Manager for the OECD Innovation Strategy and chaired the OECD Procurement Board from 2011 to 2015. Ms. Koreen holds an M.Sc. in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA in English and Modern Languages from Emory University.
Lorenzo Liotta Head of Sustainability Simest, Italy	Lorenzo Liotta is an expert in impact evaluation and measurement, specializing in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and impact-oriented investment. With a strong background in sustainability and integrated reporting, he focuses on developing strategies that enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR) while managing impact-related risks. Lorenzo has extensive experience working with organizations to implement sustainable practices that align with their business objectives. He emphasizes the importance of measuring and reporting on impact to drive transparency and accountability in investment decisions.
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.
Patrick Meinhardt Board Member Alliance of Associations	Patrick Meinhardt is a former Member of Parliament (MP) in Germany, known for his dedication to public service and leadership in the transportation sector. Currently, he serves as the CEO of the Association of Taxi and Rental Cars of Germany, where he champions the interests of the taxi and rental car industries, working to modernize and adapt the sector to evolving market and regulatory challenges. In addition to his CEO role, Meinhardt holds a board member position at the Alliance of Associations, where he advocates for cooperative solutions and policy reforms across various industries. His experience in Parliament, combined with his expertise in organizational leadership, positions him as a key figure in Germany’s business and transportation landscape. Throughout his career, Meinhardt has been committed to fostering collaboration, improving service standards, and driving innovation within both his current roles and in his previous governmental capacity.
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.
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.
Aladdin D. Rillo Managing Director for Policy Desing and Operation Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Indonesia	Aladdin D. Rillo is a distinguished economist and senior figure in regional economic integration, currently serving as Assistant Director and Head of Finance and Macroeconomic Surveillance at the ASEAN Secretariat. With a career spanning pivotal roles at ASEAN, including Senior Economist and Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community, he has been instrumental in shaping ASEAN’s economic policies and integration agenda. Dr. Rillo’s expertise extends internationally, having served as Senior Economist at the Asian Development Bank Institute in Tokyo and Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Toronto. He holds a PhD and MA in economics from the University of Hawaii, complemented by an AB in economics from Ateneo de Manila University. A prolific author and lecturer, Dr. Rillo’s research on ASEAN economics and regional integration issues underscores his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and development across Southeast Asia and beyond.
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.
Martin Ruppert Managing Director IMP³ROVE	Martin Ruppert is the Managing Director of IMP³rove—European Innovation Management Academy and a prominent figure in Kearney’s innovation and R&D management teams. With extensive global experience, he specializes in guiding organizations through innovation strategy development, portfolio optimization, and the creation of innovative business models. Martin is a distinguished author, contributing to numerous publications on innovation management, and has co-authored the Global Innovation Index reports for 2015 and 2016. His collaboration with the World Economic Forum includes leading projects like “Fostering Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship in Europe.” Martin also serves as an advisor for transformative initiatives such as “Collaborative Innovation – Transforming Business, Driving Growth.” His work continues to shape and advance innovation practices worldwide, emphasizing the strategic importance of innovation in fostering organizational growth and competitiveness.
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.
Mariangela Siciliano Head of Education, Business Promotion and Supply Chain SACE, Italy	Mariangela Siciliano is a Chartered Marketer with over twenty years of experience in managing integrated marketing and communication projects across private sector, public sector, and academia. Currently at SACE since April 2018, she oversees “Education to Export” initiatives and Corporate Shared Value activities. Previously, Mariangela served as Director of Marketing at UKEF, the UK’s export credit agency, and held roles in strategic marketing at BIS (Business, Innovation and Skills) within the UK government. Her career highlights include leading high-profile MarComms campaigns for international organizations and government bodies such as the European Commission, ILO (International Labour Organisation), and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mariangela is also a Teaching Fellow at Luiss University in Rome and an Accredited Partnership Lecturer at ECBM in London, specializing in Strategic Management and Brand Management. She contributes to academia through publications with Franco Angeli and as a guest lecturer at Birkbeck University, focusing on international marketing and public administration.
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.
Sebastiano Toffaletti Secretary General European DIGITAL SME Alliance, Belgium	Sebastiano Toffaletti is the Executive Director of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance in Brussels, co-founded in 2008. Leading Europe’s largest association for digital Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), representing about 20,000 companies, he advocates on EU policies including cybersecurity, data economy, IoT, privacy, AI, and standardization. With a master’s degree in Management, Economics, and Industrial Engineering from the University of Bologna, Toffaletti authors articles and position papers on topics like Intellectual Property Rights, Standards, e-Skills, Net Neutrality, and Cloud Computing. He serves as an expert in EU working groups, chairs the SMEs Working Group at ECSO (European Cybersecurity Organisation), and since 2014, is a Board member at ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Toffaletti’s contributions drive European digital policy and standards, ensuring SMEs have a strong voice in shaping the continent’s digital future.
Simona Vultaggio Manager Education & Connection Solutions SACE, Italy	Simona Vultaggio is a Manager in Education, Business Promotion & Supply Chain at SACE, an institution controlled by the Ministry of Finance that provides financial and insurance solutions to support the growth of Italian businesses. She is responsible for designing and delivering services aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including the SACE Education training hub and the SACE Connects business matching program. Currently, she coordinates training initiatives and business matching activities, ensuring that SMEs have access to valuable resources. Previously, Simona launched the SACE business matching program and implemented its digital platform. Since joining SACE in 2008, she began her career in the International Network of the Group, focusing on commercial planning and the development of international offices in key emerging economies. Her efforts contributed to initiatives like the Push Strategy program and the establishment of regional offices in China and the United Arab Emirates.
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 an adjunct professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Perugia. 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.

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