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Project Title

Leveraging IP for Green Technology Exports: IP Strategies for Sustainable SMEs in APEC Economies

Project Year

2025

Project Number

SMEWG_210_2025A

Project Session

Session 2

Project Type

Standard

Project Status

Project in Implementation
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Project No.

SMEWG_210_2025A

Project Title

*
Leveraging IP for Green Technology Exports: IP Strategies for Sustainable SMEs in APEC Economies

Project Status

Project in Implementation

Fund Account

*
APEC Support Fund

Sub-fund

ASF: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

Project Year

2025

Project Session

*
Session 2

APEC Funding

89,881

Co-funding Amount

0

Total Project Value

89,881

Sponsoring Forum

*
Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG)

Topics

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Green Economy; Intellectual Property

Committee

SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)

Other Fora Involved

Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved

 

Proposing Economy(ies)

Malaysia

Co-Sponsoring Economies

Chile; Thailand; Viet Nam

Expected Start Date

01/01/2026

Expected Completion Date

30/06/2027

Project Proponent Name 1

Zainul Arifin bin Kamaruddin

Job Title 1

Manager, Business and Enterprise Development

Organization 1

Centre of Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR), Malaysia

Telephone 1

+60139361353

Email 1

zainul.arifin@smebank.com.my

Project Proponent Name 2

Adlil Hafiz Ariffin

Job Title 2

Head, Business & Planning Operation

Organization 2

Centre of Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR), Malaysia

Telephone 2

+6010 - 2266077

Email 2

adlil@smebank.com.my

Declaration

Zainul Arifin bin Kamaruddin

Project Summary

This project aims to strengthen the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the green technology sector across APEC economies to manage, protect, and leverage intellectual property (IP) in international markets. Many green tech SMEs face challenges such as limited IP awareness, high enforcement costs, and difficulty using IP strategically for exports, partnerships, or investment. The project will address these gaps through targeted capacity-building workshop, a compilation of SME case studies on effective IP use, and a final report summarizing lessons learned and policy recommendations. By equipping SMEs with practical knowledge and fostering collaboration among IP offices, trade agencies, and SME support institutions, the project supports innovation-driven, sustainable growth. It also aligns with APEC’s goals of promoting inclusive trade, green development, and regional economic integration. Special attention will be given to engaging developing economies and underrepresented groups, including women-led and Indigenous-owned SMEs.

Relevance

  1. Region
  2. Many green tech SMEs in APEC economies lack basic understanding of domestic and international IP systems, limiting their ability to protect and leverage innovations. For most, IP is seen as a complex legal issue rather than a growth tool.

  4. Even those with basic IP knowledge often lack practical skills—like when to patent, manage trade secrets, or structure licensing for export. This gap prevents them from scaling, partnering, or attracting investment.

  6. Existing SME support services are often too general and don’t address the unique needs of green tech firms. As a result, these SMEs remain underserved and unprepared to expand globally, reducing their impact on APEC’s sustainable growth goals.

  8. Eligibility and Fund PrioritiesThis project is fully eligible under the APEC MSME Sub-Fund, which supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the growth, competitiveness, and internationalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. The project directly aligns with the sub-fund’s purpose by building the capacity of MSMEs in the green technology sector to manage, protect, and leverage their intellectual property (IP) for export success.
  9. The project advances MSME Sub-Fund priorities by:
  10. Enhancing MSME competitiveness and innovation, especially in high-growth sectors such as green technology;
  11. Improving access to international markets, through better understanding and strategic use of IP systems across borders;
  12. Building practical IP knowledge and skills, particularly for MSMEs in developing APEC economies;
  13. Supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, by enabling MSMEs to scale environmentally responsible technologies and solutions.

  15. Through targeted workshops, expert guidance, and knowledge-sharing activities, the project will deliver tangible outcomes that empower MSMEs to overcome IP-related barriers and contribute to APEC’s broader goals of inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable trade.

  17. Capacity Building
  18. This project aims to help APEC economies—especially developing ones—build the knowledge, skills, and support systems needed for SMEs to effectively use intellectual property (IP) in developing and exporting green technologies. While key beneficiaries include Chile, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, and Viet Nam, all APEC economies are encouraged to participate.
  19. The project will focus on four key areas:
  20. 1) IP Literacy for Green Innovation: Train SME stakeholders on identifying, protecting, and using IP in green tech. Emphasize IP’s role in market access, investment, and sustainable growth.

  22. 2) Commercialization and Export Readiness: Provide workshops on building IP portfolios, licensing, and cross-border protection. Help SMEs use IP to secure funding and partnerships.

  24. 3) Institutional and Policy Support: Facilitate knowledge-sharing among IP offices and support agencies. Offer policy guidance and case studies to enhance SME support systems.

  26. 4) Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensure diverse participation, including women-led and Indigenous SMEs. Design tools and materials to suit economies at different stages of IP development.

  28. Overall, the project supports sustainable growth, innovation, and regional integration aligned with APEC’s goals.

Objectives

This project aims to strengthen the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the green technology sector across APEC economies to effectively manage, protect, and leverage their intellectual property (IP) in international markets. By addressing common IP challenges such as patenting, licensing, and enforcement, the project will equip SMEs with practical tools and knowledge to safeguard innovations, enhance competitiveness, and expand exports. Through workshops, case studies, and expert guidance, the initiative supports sustainable economic growth and fosters a more resilient, innovation-driven green tech ecosystem aligned with APEC’s goals for inclusive and environmentally responsible trade

Alignment

APEC

1) Supports APEC’s Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Agenda: The project promotes green technology and empowers SMEs, contributing to APEC’s commitment to environmentally sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic development.


2) Advances the Putrajaya Vision 2040: The project aligns with the vision’s emphasis on innovation, digitalization, and sustainability as core drivers of quality growth across the APEC region.


3) Implements the Aotearoa Plan of Action: It supports key actions under this plan, particularly enhancing the economic inclusion of SMEs, improving their access to global markets, and supporting their digital and innovation capacity.


4) Contributes to APEC’s Support for Climate and Green Growth Goals: By equipping SMEs in the green tech sector with tools to scale and protect their innovations, the project directly contributes to APEC’s climate objectives and green growth strategies.


5) Strengthens Regional Economic Integration: Improved IP management and export readiness among green SMEs enhance cross- border collaboration, reduce trade barriers, and facilitate deeper regional economic integration.


Forum

1) SME Working Group(SMEWG): Supports SMEWG by boosting SME competitiveness and global market access through targeted IP training for green tech businesses.


2) IP Experts Group (IPEG): Advances IPEG goals by improving SME understanding of IP rights and supporting cross-border IP protection in green tech sectors.


3) Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI): Aligns with CTI by addressing IP-related trade barriers and promoting regulatory cooperation for sustainable, innovation-driven trade.


4) Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) [Optional]: Supports PPSTI by helping SMEs commercialize and protect science-based green innovations.

Beneficiaries and Outputs

Output


1) Case Study Compilation (APEC Publication)

urpose: Provide evidence-led, replicable IP pathways to inform the Workshop and the Project Report.


Scope: Minimum 6 concise cases drawn from at least 6 APEC economies (e.g., Chile, Mexico, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Viet Nam) spanning renewables, energy efficiency, circular economy, , clean manufacturing and other relevant areas. Each 2–3 pages covering context/problem, IP route (patent/trade secret/licensing/brand), costs/benefits, export link, and lessons.


Research Method: Desk research of patent/market sources; short, structured survey with SMEs representatives and ecosystem actors (IP offices/incubators); review of litigation/licensing records where available. Selection based on geographic spread, sector diversity, and presence of export-linked IP actions.


Use of Findings: Cases will directly feed into Day 2 breakout clinics and synthesis; key figures/examples integrated into the Project Report.


Form & Length: APEC electronic publication; minimum 12 pages (excluding front matter/annexes); accessible layout.


Timeline: Apr –Sep 2026 (draft ready by end-Sep 2026 for workshop use).


2) 2-Day Workshop

Purpose: Build practical capability among green tech SMEs and agencies to leverage IP for exports and partnerships using pre-developed cases and toolkits.


Format: In-person (physical only). Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Scale: ~50 participants (22 funded from TEEs; 28 local and other APEC member economies representatives); all 21 APEC member economies will be invited. Up to 10 experts (speakers/moderators/panellists; not labelled as trainers).


Timeline: January 2027 Rough Agenda (substantive):

Day 1 – Foundations & Strategy (09:00–17:30): Opening; context of IP for green exports; mapping assets; freedom-to-operate basics; Clinic A: identify protectable assets; case walkthroughs 1–2.


Day 2 – Transactions & Cross-Border (09:00–17:30): Valuation and licensing structures; cross-border filings; enforcement readiness; Breakouts by topic using pre-drafted cases (renewables, circular, clean manufacturing); report-back. Clinic B: draft 1-page SME IP action plan; institutional perspectives; wrap-up synthesis session: “what I will do next”; distribute Ex-post Evaluation as final agenda item.


Parameters: APEC Event Attendance List to be completed; plenary recording per Annex N (clinics not recorded).


3) Project Report (APEC Publication)

Purpose: Consolidate workshop learnings and provide actionable recommendations and tools index.


Content: Executive summary; participant profile (sex-disaggregated); summary of sessions; consolidated lessons; recommendations for agencies; toolkit index; annexes (agenda, speakers, APEC Attendance List summary link). Post-event survey statistics will be reported only in the Completion Report, not in this publication.


Form & Length: APEC electronic publication; minimum 12 pages (excluding front matter/annexes).


Submission Window: By 1 May 2027 to APEC Secretariat for review and fora endorsement.


Outcome

1) Increased SME capacity to apply IP for exports and green innovation


≥ 75% of SME participants report improved understanding of IP protection, licensing, and commercialization (Ex-ante/ Ex-post Evaluation).

≥ 60% can identify at least one IP asset suitable for protection/licensing.

≥ 40% develop a basic IP action plan by end of workshop.


2) Progress toward inclusive and gender-balanced participation in IP-driven green trade


≥ 45–50% women participants; ≥ 40–50% women speakers.

≥ 30% from developing economies.

≥ 25% of women participants express intent to apply IP tools (Ex-post Evaluation). Gender-disaggregated results reflected in Project Report and case studies.


3) Development and validation of practical IP training and knowledge resources for SMEs and agencies At least one complete training toolkit (slides, handouts, templates).

≥ 80% of participants rate the toolkit as useful or very useful (Ex-post Evaluation).


Beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries of this project will be:

1.SMEs in the Green Technology Sector:

  1. Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to scale up sustainable products and technologies for export.
  2. Women-led, youth-led (above 18 years old), and Indigenous-owned enterprises involved in clean or green innovation.


2.Policy Makers and Regulators:

  1. Officials from trade, innovation, and environment ministries involved in shaping policies that support sustainable innovation, IP frameworks, and international trade for SMEs.


The secondary beneficiaries of this project will be:

1) IP Professionals and SME Support Institutions:

  1. Representatives from domestic IP offices, SME agencies, businessdevelopment centers, and export promotion bodies who support SMEs with IP registration, commercialization, and marketaccess.


2) Academic and Research Institutions:

  1. University-based technology transfer offices and incubators working with early- stage green technology startups and innovations.


The APEC Region with focus on the travel-eligible economies are expected to join the session. The economies which tend to benefit are as the following (but not limited to); Chile, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Peru, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Dissemination

Two formal APEC publications—(1) Case Study Compilation (minimum 12 pages, excluding annexes); (2) Project Report (minimum 12 pages, excluding annexes) — both published electronically (PDF/HTML) via the APEC Publications Database.


Workshop materials (agenda, selected slides/handouts) will be made available digitally alongside the Project Report as supporting resources.


Channels: APEC Publications Database, SME Bank/CEDAR website, SMEWG and agency mailing lists, social media posts, and follow-up webinar.


Target Audience: SMEs, SME agencies, trade/innovation ministries, incubators, and academia.


Event Recording: Workshop will be recorded in accordance with the APEC Project Event Recording Policy (Annex N). Recordings will cover plenary sessions only and used for reporting and reference purposes.

Intention to Sell Outputs: None—all outputs open access.

Gender

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Work Plan

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Risks

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Linkages

This project directly supports SMEWG Strategic Plan priorities, particularly Priority Area 1: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Startups, by enhancing SMEs' ability to commercialize green technologies through strategic use of intellectual property. It also aligns with Priority Area 2: SME Access to International Markets and Global Value Chains, by equipping SMEs with IP tools to overcome trade barriers and expand globally.


To ensure coordination and avoid duplication, the project will collaborate with relevant APEC fora—engaging IPEG for IP expertise, PPSTI for innovation policy insights, and CTI for alignment with trade facilitation efforts. SMEWG will be engaged throughout to ensure alignment with SME capacity-building goals.


The project may also involve external partners such as WIPO, regional innovation agencies, and incubators for technical input and case studies. Collaboration with private sector actors and academia will ensure the approach remains practical, scalable, and relevant to SME needs.

Sustainability

Carry-forward mechanisms: (i) Open-access materials for reuse; (ii) embedding IP modules into SME programs; (iii) follow-up tracer survey.


Next steps: Economies replicate workshops locally; PO provides post-project technical sharing; SMEWG progress reporting.

Direct Labour

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Are there any supporting document attached?

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Project No.
Project Title
Project Status
Fund Account
Sub-fund
Project Year
Project Session
APEC Funding
Co-funding Amount
Total Project Value
Sponsoring Forum
Topics
Committee
Other Fora Involved
Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved
Proposing Economy(ies)
Co-Sponsoring Economies
Expected Start Date
Expected Completion Date
Project Proponent Name 1
Job Title 1
Organization 1
Telephone 1
Email 1
Project Proponent Name 2
Job Title 2
Organization 2
Telephone 2
Email 2
Declaration
Project Summary
Relevance
Objectives
Alignment
Beneficiaries and Outputs
Dissemination
Gender
Work Plan
Risks
Monitoring and Evaluation
Linkages
Sustainability
Direct Labour
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