SMEs

The Swiss Triple Impact program aims to accelerate the contributions of Swiss businesses towards a more sustainable economy by mobilizing 3000 companies in Switzerland within 3 years to take action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Seeding Labs helps equip scientists with the tools, training, and connections they need to be on the cutting edge of global discovery. They channel donations of equipment, time, and talent where they will have the greatest global impact. Their flagship program, Instrumental Access, makes affordable, high-quality laboratory equipment available to universities and research institutes in developing countries. All equipment is donated from donors’ surplus, overstock, or traded-in items. Instrumental Access has a strategic and rigorous process for screening applicants as well as equipment. After the equipment has been reallocated, Seeding Labs follows up on the equipment installation and use to solve unexpected issues and track the impact of the equipment.

These case studies demonstrate how the PCT has been used in the real world to promote innovation in both developed and developing countries.

A newly launched initiative in the United States – “Invent Together” – is an effort by universities, companies, organizations, and other stakeholders to collect data about the diversity gaps in invention and patenting, and to support public policy and other initiatives to close them. In particular, Invent Together aims to close the patent gaps for women, people of color, and low-income individuals. In doing so, the initiative aims to help close wage and wealth gaps, strengthen the U.S. economy, and develop new and different inventions. A focus of Invent Together is increasing the availability of data and research about the patent gaps.

Innovative SMEs are important drivers of economic growth, job creation, and innovation in every country.  These case studies from the EPO demonstrate how European SMEs, across sectors and countries, leverage IP rights for growth. It also highlights the challenges they face in securing, enforcing, and effectively managing their IP rights.