On March 2, 2021, RCTT's experts took part in the EU4Digital ICT Innovation fourth networking event: "Strengthening the capacity of national patent offices, IPR consultants and other innovation ecosystem actors to provide IPR-related services for start-ups and SMEs in EaP region".

Goals of the event:

1. Provide better knowledge on tools and possibilities offered by European IP Office (EUIPO) including those that can be made available to the EaP region, including: 

a. Innovative tools and services for EUIPO customers (members) using next-generation technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence (e.g. IP Innovation databases);

b. Professional traineeship programme for IP professionals (Pan-European Seal) and trainings delivered via EUIPO Academy for SMEs;

c. Projects organised to support SMEs (e.g. Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund).

2. Promote among the EaP participants tools and services of European IP Helpdesk supporting SMEs on IPR protection and management issues (Helpline, Signposting Directory, Online Library, Training & Events).

3. Promote the European IP Helpdesk Ambassadors (available in Belarus and the Republic of Moldova).

4. Discuss the opportunities of capacity building of national patent offices (NPO), technology transfer centres and other innovation ecosystem actors in EaP countries to provide services for start-ups and SMEs on IPR-related issues.

Target audience in EaP countries:

• Ministerial level representatives and agencies coordinating the development of innovation ecosystem;
• National patent offices;
• Business incubators, accelerators, other innovation support and consultancy organisations;
• Technology transfer offices, including those at universities and R&D organisations.

The webinar was attended by over 60 participants including experts from RCTT.

The program, List of invited EaP participants and presentations made at the event can be found here.