Strategic Dialogue to Help SMEs Use the IP System

The WSO was pleased to organize another outcome-focused activity under the WIPO-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding. The “Strategic Dialogue to Enable SMEs to Better Use the IP System” saw representatives from 13 WIPO Member States come to Singapore for the first in-person event at the WSO since the start of the pandemic.

The facilitated dialogue saw two days of discussions and project planning between senior IP officials and representatives from national SME associations. The event greatly benefited from the involvement of regional business organizations such as the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network and the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council. Each regional group shared their objectives and how they could collaborate to help SMEs use the IP system for growth.

The program was developed to provide participants with a blend of SME IP success stories, including hardware cybersecurity solutions pioneer, Flexxon (who went on to win the prestigious WIPO IP Enterprise Medal) and bathroom fittings company Rigel, along with presentations from leading experts on SME engagement and promotions.

A key aspect of the program was the time allocated for participants to work in their country groups and formulate a plan of activities that they could collaborate on in the future to help increase IP use by SMEs in their country. The genuine enthusiasm displayed by all was inspiring as was the sharing session when each country presented their plans. The session not only provided participants with a concrete plan to implement after the event but also paved the way for collaboration between countries in the region.

The WSO would like to thank the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore for its kind assistance in organizing the dialogue.