EUIPO Publishes: SME Mapping Exercise Report 2024

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has recently released the 2024 Mapping Exercise (ME) report, which examines and maps the stakeholder networks and engagement models of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN). 

Drawing on the yearly data collected from previous MEs, the 2024 responses provide a comprehensive pan-European perspective on the existing network of intellectual property offices (IPOs) and user associations (UAs) collaborating with stakeholders to engage and support SMEs. The report analyses the nature and extent of these partnerships, as well as the initiatives through which SMEs access information and gain knowledge about intellectual property (IP).

The responses also contribute to identifying future stakeholder collaborations for IPOs, while helping to bridge existing gaps and address key needs. These insights can be leveraged to effectively guide and shape future strategies and initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs. The findings of the 2024 ME reveal notable trends when compared to the data from 2023 and 2022. Overall, the results remain consistent and positive, particularly in terms of the growth of SME stakeholder collaborations in specific areas and their extended reach, as well as the improved understanding of SME needs. However, challenges persist within the current stakeholder engagement model, especially concerning resource allocation.