Annual Meeting 2025

21st INSME Annual Meeting

“Protecting and Valuing SMEs Intangible Assets”

20 – 21 October 2025

Alicante, Spain

Co-organized 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
  • Patricia Beltran, Lawyer, Quinton Biotech Lab 
  • Ali Muqaibal, Senior Executive, Sharakah-Fund for Development of Youth Projects, Oman
  • 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:

  • Mariangela Siciliano, Head of Education, Bus. Promotion and Supply Chain, SACE, Italy 
  • Sonia Fernandez, Director of Projects Department, AMEC, Spain
  • Elisavet Karagiampi, Team Leader SME Fund, EUIPO, Spain
  • Andreas Jahn, Member of the Federal Executive Board, BVMW, Germany 
  • Ana Costa Paula, Head of Department, IAPMEI, Portugal 
  • 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 Joao Carlos Costa, General Counsel, COTEC, Portugal 

3. What role can IP play in promoting technology transfer and innovation?

  • Led by Péter Mogyorosi, 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, China 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, EURADAR, Belgium 
  • Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board, KOBIA, Azerbaijan
  • 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
  • Patrick Meinhardt 

 

Speakers: