DTMFZA

SMEs need to think big and plan early to be in the premier league by following the proven methodology of implementing a successful Intellectual Asset Management system to identify, protect and realise intellectual assets in their organisations, according to Stephen Jiew, Senior Associate, Al Tamimi & Company.

Jiew was speaking at the TECOM SME Builder that provides an opportunity for owners of small and medium enterprises to upgrade their business management skills.

An initiative of TECOM’s Partner Development Management (PDM) department, TECOM SME Builder was held on 19 May at the Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre. In addition to Stephen Jiew’s presentation on 'Intellectual Asset Management', the workshop included a segment on 'The Human Network Effect in Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship'. The presentation was delivered by Karim Djerboa, Senior Manager of Global Field Operations and Strategic Alliances, Cisco Entrepreneur Institute, Cisco Systems Inc.

Stephen Jiew said: “Intellectual assets form the most valuable component of successful companies in the world today. Think Coca Cola, BMW, Rolex or Virgin, their intellectual assets are the reasons why the market is willing to pay a vast premium over the book value of these companies. Never has it been more critical than now in this prolonged economic recovery period to harness one’s intellectual assets to differentiate your business in this ruthlessly competitive business landscape.”

Speaking on the subject of innovation and entrepreneurship, Karim Djerboa said: “Given the cultural, economic and political specificities of each community, there is no "one size fits all" for entrepreneurship education. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the vehicle used to deliver the content and the technology facilitates innovation and are human centric.

“In essence, it must address the very local reality by the use of Web 2.0 technologies for instance, enabling entrepreneurs to have access to a blended way of learning (online access, in person and virtual facilitation and videos on demand). It must also offer the opportunity to access the human network, which builds the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Cisco Entrepreneur Institute is achieving this by assembling the best collection of entrepreneur knowledge, combined with Cisco’s deep experience in deploying solutions for business.”

In addition to SME owners, membership to TECOM SME Builder is open to those aiming to launch their own business. The tri-annual workshops touch on subjects that directly relate to daily operational issues and allow an immediate transfer of the knowledge gained into the business environment.

The 14th edition of TECOM SME Builder was sponsored by Emirates NBD and Al Tamimi & Company. Emirates NBD Business Banking’s partnership with TECOM SME Builder underscores its strategy to empower and develop SMEs in the region.

The workshop was organised in conjunction with participating experts from TECOM Investments’ business partners such as Pinnacle Asset & Wealth Management, Flagship Consultancy, The Referral Institute, RealHR, Platinum CPD, Potential, Expressions, Envestors, Bayt.com and Innovabia.