LESI Pan-European Conference 2025 Highlights IP’s Role in Growth and Sustainability

The LESI Pan-European Conference was held on 29–30 September in The Hague, hosted by LES Benelux as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. The event showcased the many ways in which intellectual property (IP) contributes to the European Union’s economic growth while addressing the pressing challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From artistic works to cutting-edge technologies, and from biotech to high-tech, speakers highlighted how IP protection underpins innovation, strengthens competitiveness, and shapes Europe’s future economy.

On the opening day, Bruno Vandermeuelen, the Senior IP Advisor & Director of Impact Licensing Initiative (ILI) moderated a parallel session titled “Regulation Update from the EU: Requirements for the Horizon Europe Grant Program on the Horizon Affecting Licensing.” The discussion brought together leading experts, including:

• Marc Kaptein, Senior Director Policy & Public Affairs, Pfizer
• Laura MacDonald, LES Benelux member, Chief Executive of ASTP, and ILI Strategic Advisory Board member
• Federica Baldan, Legal and Policy Officer, European Commission

The conference concluded with a keynote session, “IP & Space: Celebrating 50 + 50 Years – IP New Frontiers,” delivered by Leopold Summerer, Head of Technology at the European Space Agency. His address explored the evolving intersections between intellectual property and space innovation.

With a mix of forward-looking debates, expert insights, and celebrations of IP’s transformative role, this year’s Pan-European Conference reaffirmed IP’s importance as both a driver of economic growth and a tool for achieving global sustainability goals.