Resilience and innovation take centre stage at the 3rd IPFB event

EURid was delighted to participate in the 3rd Ideas Powered for Business annual event, hosted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante on 28-29 April. Despite an unexpected power outage across Spain, the event continued with energy and purpose, showcasing the strength of international cooperation and adaptability.

The gathering brought together 23 pan-European organisations to explore how intellectual property can boost competitiveness, support SMEs, and foster innovation across Europe. Panels covered topics such as access to finance through IP, support for women entrepreneurs, and the essential role of EUIPO tools and services for startups.

Our Business Operations Manager, Hans Seeuws, praised the EUIPO team’s swift response to unexpected challenges, which turned a potential disruption into a moment of unity and creativity. The event featured inspiring speeches, practical insights on IP commercialisation, and a shared commitment to a more innovative and inclusive future.

The meeting concluded with agreement on the need for stronger policy advocacy. Network members endorsed drafting a joint position paper for the European Commission, highlighting IP’s crucial role in driving Europe’s economic growth and innovation.