Intellectual Assets and Innovation
The SME Dimension
Intellectual Property Rights can be instrumental for SMEs to protect and build on
their innovations; position themselves competitively vis-à-vis larger enterprises
in global markets; gain access to revenues; signal current and prospective value to
investors, competitors and partners; access knowledge markets and networks; open up
new commercial pathways; or segment existing markets. However, while there is increasing
recognition of their significance, as well as the need for appropriate intellectual
asset management for SMEs across OECD countries, there are few regulatory frameworks
or specific instruments directed to SMEs. This is in part due the pace of technological
innovation, which often exceeds the time it takes for policy makers to create appropriate
responses to the changing landscape of intellectual property. This study explores
the relations between SME intellectual asset management, innovation and competitiveness
in different national and sectoral contexts. It provides insights on the ability of
SMEs to access and utilise the protection systems available to them and identifies
key challenges for SMEs in appropriating full value from IPRs. It also investigates
effectiveness of regulatory frameworks and policy measures to support SME access to
IPRs, identifying best practices and proposing policy recommendations
Published on December 05, 2011
In series:OECD Studies on SMEs and Entrepreneurshipview more titles