Empowering SMEs in the Digital Economy: Launch of the IP Management Clinic Program at the Arab SME Summit 2024

In response to the growing demand for tailored intellectual property (IP) support among businesses transitioning to or operating in digital environments across the Arab region, a new edition of the IP Management Clinic (IPMC) Program was successfully launched during the Arab SME Summit 2024. This initiative was jointly developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) with the generous support of FIT/Japan IP Global and the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

The IPMC program equips businesses with the tools and knowledge to leverage intellectual property as a key enabler for innovation, e-commerce expansion, and global competitiveness. By offering practical solutions, the program focuses on IP internationalization, commercialization, and how SMEs can integrate IP strategies into their broader business goals, all while navigating the complexities of the digital economy.

Arab SME Summit 2024

The Arab SME Summit 2024, held from November 17 to 20 in Qatar, served as the launchpad for this program. During the summit, 29 SMEs from 12 MENA countries gathered for two days of intensive learning and networking. These companies were selected following a competitive process, which involved over 77 businesses participating in virtual training sessions in September and October 2024, covering key IP topics such as IP fundamentals, IP audits, and the WIPO IP Diagnostic Tool.

arab-summit-1-960
(Image: Romane Planes)

The summit provided the opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of IP and its application to digital business models.

The event also saw WIPO’s IP for Business Division actively engage with visitors at the WIPO booth, coordinated by Romane Planes, where many businesses expressed interest in WIPO’s broad array of support initiatives, including the IPMC Program, the IP Diagnostic Tool, Guides for SMEs, and WIPO’s international systems such as Madrid, Hague, and PCT.

arab-summit-2-960
(Image: Qatar Development Bank (QDB))

Targeted Workshops and Expert Guidance

The IPMC Program kicked off with a series of hands-on workshops and personalized coaching sessions. Expert facilitators, including Mona Thowfeek, Samir El Aichaoui, Hams Madanat, Nisrine El Haddad, and Mathilde Tachon, led interactive, business-focused activities designed to refine IP strategies and enhance IP management practices.

Key Workshops:

  1. Managing Intangible Assets for Long-Term Value: this session guided participants on how to strategically manage intangible assets for sustained value creation.
  2. Aligning IP Strategy with Business Goals Using the Business Model Canvas (BMC): this session provided insights into how businesses can refine their BMCs, identifying embedded intangible assets (IA) and aligning them with broader business objectives.
arab-summit-3-960
(Image: Romane Planes)

Participants also benefited from 45-minute personalized mentoring sessions with experts. These sessions allowed businesses to fine-tune their Business Model Canvases to identify key strengths and assets, identify strategic IP opportunities, and integrate IP considerations into their broader business goals.

Key Outcomes and Participant Feedback

Post-event surveys revealed strong satisfaction, with 72% of participants reporting being “very satisfied” with the program.

Participants particularly valued the personalized coaching sessions, the opportunity to network with other SME owners, and the expert insights shared during the workshops. Many highlighted the practical nature of the sessions, noting that the tailored guidance helped them refine their business strategies and better understand the role of IP in supporting growth and innovation.

A video summarizing the activities and highlights from the intensive three-day event has been released and can be accessed clicking the button below.

Next Steps: Continued Mentorship and Online Support

The initial in-person sessions set the foundation for continued mentorship, training, and access to WIPO resources. From January 2025 to April 2025, participants will continue receiving tailored support through online sessions, ensuring they have the guidance and tools to integrate the IP strategies learned into their business models for long-term success.

Looking Ahead

Building on the momentum of this successful launch and program, WIPO and UNESCWA are planning additional editions of the IPMC Program for 2025, continuing to support SMEs and startups across the Arab region in leveraging intellectual property for growth.

To apply for future editions of the program across the region, please submit your application here, and include the following comment in the final comments or suggestions tab: “Application for future IPMC WIPO-ESCWA.”

Apply

For more information about the IPMC Program, please visit the IPMC website.


Tags:
FIT Japan IP Global, Qatar, SME

Share this content: