WIPO and ICC boost collaboration to support Entrepreneurs and SMEs in Innovation Ecosystem
May 6, 2024
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) strengthened collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoE), Chambers of Commerce and National Committees to continue supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the WIPO - ICC CoE IP for Entrepreneurs Network.
May 6, 2024, marked an important day for WIPO and ICC’s long-standing partnership as they highlighted the success of their joint efforts to promote the use of the WIPO IP Diagnostic tool as their “go-to resource” among Chambers of Commerce and National Committees when addressing IP issues with their beneficiary entrepreneurs and businesses during a dedicated session in the ICC Global IP Commission meeting in Paris.
The well-established partnership between WIPO and ICC reached another milestone during the ICC Global Intellectual Property Commission meeting held at ICC in Paris. This event celebrated the significant achievements of their collaboration through the recently launched IP for Entrepreneurs Network, an initiative to engage Chambers of Commerce and National Committees in using the WIPO IP Diagnostic Tool when discussing IP issues with their beneficiary entrepreneurs and SMEs. The session was also the occasion to outline future steps to further enhance support for SMEs worldwide.
As of this date, 10 Chambers of Commerce/National Committees have undertaken steps to join this network by adding the WIPO IP Diagnostics Tool to their website and using it when discussing IP issues with their beneficiary entrepreneurs and SMEs.
WIPO and ICC CoE stressed the impactful work done by National Committees and Chambers of Commerce. Representatives from ICC Argentina, ICC France, and the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship Ukraine shared their positive experiences using the WIPO IP Diagnostics Tool, emphasizing its practicality and relevance in various sectors. They now feel better equipped to help their beneficiaries understand and use the IP system.
The collaboration is critical in amplifying grassroots support to SMEs, in a context of economic trends elevating IP as a key business enabler. The session culminated with the signing of a tripartite agreement between WIPO, ICC Centers of Entrepreneurship, and ICC France, strengthening the collaboration.
Looking ahead, WIPO and ICC plan to adapt the WIPO IP Diagnostics Tool for the agrifood sector. Forthcoming MoUs with additional Chambers of Commerce and National Committees will be signed electronically to further consolidate this collaborative effort that will allow the parties to increase global visibility by being added to WIPOs SMEs Support Institutions Platform and receive data on the use of WIPO resources on their websites.
This partnership continues to drive meaningful support for SMEs, reinforcing their resilience and capacity to leverage IP for growth and innovation.
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