Empowering Europe’s SMEs Through IP #51 – with Inge Buffolo

<p>In this episode of <em>IP Stories</em>, we sit down with <strong>Inge Buffolo</strong>, Director of Business Development at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), to explore how intellectual property can become a real growth tool for small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe.</p><p>From her early career as a telecommunications engineer to more than 20 years at EUIPO, Inge shares her journey through innovation, transformation, and public service. We dive deep into the origins and evolution of the <strong>SME Fund</strong>, the challenges SMEs face when navigating the IP system, and why speaking the <em>language of entrepreneurs</em> is essential to making IP accessible and effective.</p><p>Inge also reflects on the power of collaboration — with national IP offices, EU institutions, and business networks — and explains how initiatives like <strong>Ideas Powered for Business</strong>, IP Scan, and IP-backed finance are helping thousands of micro and small companies protect their innovations and grow with confidence.</p><p>A must-listen for entrepreneurs, policymakers, IP professionals, and anyone interested in strengthening Europe’s innovation ecosystem through smarter, more inclusive IP support.</p>