Specialists of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) participated on October 23-24, 2024, in the Focus Group Workshops organized by the South Regional Development Agency, in the context of the elaboration of the Smart Specialization Study for the South Development Region of the Republic of Moldova. The event was financially supported by the European Union, through the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme, funded by the EU and the governments of Germany, Austria and Poland, and implemented by GIZ, ADA and SFPL.

On October 23, in Cimislia, Andrei Moisei, principal consultant in the Communication and Training Division of AGEPI, offered consultations to representatives from the business, academic, associative and public environments on the protection of intellectual property (IP). The discussions covered the establishment of clusters, the development of business value chains and the opportunities offered by the registration of IP objects. Issues related to the use of franchising and licenses, the preservation of cultural heritage for tourism and the protection of geographical indications and traditional products were also addressed.

On October 24, the workshop was held in online format, and Tatiana Sau, principal specialist in the Examination Division, Patent Department, presented relevant information about patents and the protection of inventions.

The Focus Group Workshops were held in a hybrid format and addressed priority areas including Agri-Food-Advanced Agro-industry, Experience-based Industries and Construction Materials and Technologies. The purpose of the meetings was to identify smart specialization niches, challenges and project ideas for the development of the region, in line with national and European strategies.

Smart specialization is a regional economic approach that focuses on valorization of strengths and specific resources, encouraging innovation and sustainable economic growth.