New study by the European Commission: Analysing IP and Open Innovation knowledge in SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up a large share of global economies. They are a critical source of innovation across all sectors and markets, especially climate neutrality and digital leadership - two areas which stand in the focus of the European Commission’s industrial strategy.  The European Commission has recently published a new study on the interplay of intellectual property (IP) and Open Innovation (OI) in connection with SMEs.

Many SMEs pioneer new technologies, products, services and software and, therefore, frequently engage in collaborations with a wide range of partners, i.e. in OI. After an official commitment to OI in 2016, the Commission continues to promote OI as part of its digital single market and innovation policies.

However, a large share of SMEs still lacks awareness and understanding of IP, not least to effectively appropriate the benefits of OI. The study commissioned in 2020 aims to build awareness, strengthen capabilities, and experience in regard to IP strategy among SMEs involved in OI projects.