Zuzana Kaparová: Intellectual property is not an administration. It is a decisive factor in the financing of startups and small and medium-sized businesses.
The EIB is not just about infrastructure
You make tough decisions every day about who gets the investment. What does it look like from the European Investment Bank's point of view?
The European Investment Bank is one of the TOP investors in Europe, but it is often perceived by the public mainly through large infrastructure projects. However, the EIB Group also includes the European Investment Fund, which focuses on riskier projects, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and scaleups.
Our shareholders are EU Member States. We have around 4,000 experts across a variety of fields — from energy to environmental projects. Our main task is to support the EU economy and mobilise capital within Europe.
So the EIB is not just an institution for big players — we also support SMEs and innovative firms, directly or indirectly through commercial banks or funds.
How the EIB evaluates projects
In particular, the EIB finances “later stage” projects. How do you look at the “early stage” companies and what are the main criteria for financing?
EIB direct financing typically covers large projects with a volume of over 40 million euros and with a pan-European impact. These are projects that meet European priorities — whether in the areas of sustainability, energy, transport or innovation.
We evaluate them from several points of view:
- technical readiness,
- technological level,
- environmental and social impacts,
- economic viability.
Each sector has its own standards — railway infrastructure has different requirements, energy has different requirements.
In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises or startups, financing is mainly through the European Investment Fund — either through commercial banks in the form of credit lines or through funds of funds. There we look in particular at the quality of the fund's management, its structure, transparency and investment strategy.
Europe needs to accelerate growth
The debate also touched on the broader context of European competitiveness.
Europe faces a major challenge — we have a strong start, good research and innovation, but we cannot support business growth fast enough. They often go to the United States.
According to Draghi's report, Europe needs around €600 billion a year to stay competitive. We have the capital, but we have to activate it.
That's why the EIB launched the TechEU initiative — we are investing €70 billion over the next three years to attract up to €250 billion in investments. Programs such as GreenTech, BioTech and DigiTech are included — and all have a strong link to innovation and intellectual property.
Intellectual property as part of the strategy
One of the key topics of the panel was the position of IP in the investment process.
IP is very important to us. It's not a “soft factor.” We monitor whether the firm works with intellectual property systematically and whether it is part of its growth strategy.
IP is a signal of quality management. It shows whether the firm is forward-thinking, whether it has treated ownership relationships, whether it can protect its technology, and whether it is ready to scale.
From our point of view, IP should not be a marginal topic or a purely legal formality. It should be integrated into the company's R&D strategy and business model.
Connecting the State, Academia and Business
The EIB has a unique position in connecting the public sector, academia and the business environment.
In Europe, a lot of potential is lost precisely in the transition from research to the market. We have quality universities and research institutions, but the commercialization of results is not efficient enough.
Our role is to help set up the ecosystem — connecting actors, fostering joint initiatives, and increasing competitiveness against the US or China.
It's not just about capital. The EIB also provides advice, an international network and know-how.
Three recommendations for Slovak companies
Finally, the question was what the Slovak company should do if it wants to be interesting for the EIB and investors.
First of all — be aware that there are institutions like the EIB here. You can come, knock on the door, ask, get advice.
The second thing is openness and transparency. This is key for us.
And third — work with your strategy comprehensively. Think about where you want to grow, how you're going to fund the expansion, and how your intellectual property is involved.
The EIB can guide whether a project is suitable for direct investment, or rather for financing through the European Investment Fund.
And as she added with a smile: “Don't worry - knock on the door. We live on the Palisades.”
This panel at Protect & Grow confirmed that intellectual property is no longer just a legal topic, but a strategic growth factor — and that investors increasingly see it as a key indicator of a firm's quality.