INSME International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

1. INSME International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Ms. Simona Marzetti, Secretary General WIPO headquarters, 1st December 2010

2. INSME AT A GLANCE • International non for profit Association since 2004 based in Rome, Italy, supported by the Italian Ministry for economic development • Global Network of Innovation stakeholders promoting transnational cooperation: “Making Innovation Happen in SMEs” • SMEs are not part of the network but are the final beneficiaries of the activities run by INSME and its Members • INSME does not provide funds to SMEs and is not financially supported by any international organisation • Moral patronage of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since 2004

3. INSME MISSION • Help INSME Members to better achieve their goals providing information, services and contacts: a hub, multiplier and disseminator of opportunities, acting as a problem solver, incubator of new project ideas and facilitator • A catalyser, accelerator and broker for cross border cooperation, knowledge exchange, mutual learning across regions on focused thematic areas relevant for SMEs’ competitiveness, innovation and internationalization • A vehicle to help bridge the innovation gap for SMEs by promoting collaborations among private and public innovation players and international Stakeholders worldwide

4. INSME Added Value • A dedicated transnational platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, where Innovation Stakeholders can meet: - SME-oriented Policy Makers - Investors and Financial Institutions - Technology and innovation professionals - Private and public Peers across the world and can find: - High-quality brain power - Project ideas and business solutions - Business and Financial Partners - Clients - Sponsors

5. A WORLDWIDE NETWORK 80 INSME Members based in 32 countries (16 OECD- 16 non-OECD) in 5 Continents including: • 17 International Governmental Organizations (Honorary Members, 21% in 2010):AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP, ALADI, APEC SME INNOVATION CENTER, CEI-ES, COMSATS, G-NEXID, IIC-IADB, OSCE, RITLA, SELA, UNCTAD, UNDP MEXICO OFFICE, UNIDO, UNECE, UNESCO, WIPO and EIF. • 13 International Networks NGOs (16% in 2010): ANIMA, ASTF, EBN, EBAN, ECSA, EPROCA, EURADA, FUNDES INTERNATIONAL, INTRASOFT INTERNATIONAL, ISBE, ISPIM, WBAA, WTA.

6. WHO IS INVOLVED 2004 48 INSME Members 2010 80 INSME Members

7. INSME MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST (1) • Public Policy Measures to support Innovation in SMEs • Entrepreneurship,Start-ups and High Growth SMEs: pre-incubation/incubation/post-incubation • SME Innovation Financing • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Intangible Assets and their valorisation on the market • Research-industry Cooperation and Linkages • Transnational Technology Transfer: matching technology providers and buyers (technology platforms)

8. INSME MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST (2) • Governance and Business Model of innovationintermediaries and their networks at sub-national, national and international level • Industrial and Technological Clusters (low-tech/hi-tech) • Design and creative industries • Eco-Innovation • Innovationin Services • OpenInnovation

9. INSME SECRETARIAT ACTIVITIES • Targeted information customized to Members’ interests • On-demand Members’ Help Desk • Opportunities alerting service on: • International Call for tenders/experts/papers/vacancies/sponsorships • Events/Trainings/Fairs • Awards/Prizes/Competitions • Online Consultations • Business Offers • Latest Publications/Updates on SME innovation • Promotion and marketing of Members’ activities (INSME portal and Newsletter- in English, Spanish and Russian) • Cross-border matchmaking: Knowledge sharing & partnering support • Co-organization of thematic trainings and events

10. 7th INSME ANNUAL MEETING 2011 “Competitiveness, Culture and Cross-Border Co-operation: Assisting SMEs to Grow, Innovate and Reach International Markets” Co-organised in collaboration with EPROCA (European ProClusters Association) Helsinki, Finland 23-26 May, 2011 http://www.annualmeeting2011.insme.org/ No participation fee for INSME Members insme2011@insme.it

11. 7th INSME ANNUAL MEETING 2011 May 23, 2001: THEMATIC ROUNDTABLES • Round Table 1: “How innovation can bring value to the service business: trends and facts” • Round Table 2: “World Design Capital 2012 – based on innovativeness, design and technology” • Round Table 3: “How to make people and organisations more innovative” • Round Table 4: “Nordic Innovation in the Tourism sector” • Round Table 5: “Towards a Regional Observatory on Knowledge" • Round Table 6: “ImMediaTe project: new forms of financing creative industries in Europe” • Round Table 7: “How to implement the technology transfer into the service business?” • Round Table 8: “Providing the venture capital tools for SME growth” • Round Table 9:“Abu Dhabi 2020 vision: how to turn SMEs into innovators and business leaders”

12. 7th INSME ANNUAL MEETING 2011 Helsinki, May 26, 2011: International Training Programmes Registration fee: 200 € • Option 1: INSME Training Program on “Access to research for SMEs: challenges and tools” • Option 2: EPROCA Training Program on “Increasing global competitiveness of SMEs: tips and tools”

13. INSME International Network for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) “Making Innovation Happen in SMEs” Website: www.insme.org E-mail: secretariat@insme.it marzetti@ipi.it