The regional event “From FTZs to Innovation Ecosystems: IP as a Driver of Competitiveness” is taking place during the period 22–23 October 2026 in Barcelona, ​​Spain, organized by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Barcelona Free Trade Zone (Barcelona FTZ), within the framework of the EU4IP project.

The event brings together representatives of intellectual property offices, customs administrations and free economic zones from several countries, to address the role of intellectual property in strengthening competitiveness and in the development of innovation ecosystems.

The delegation of the Republic of Moldova is formed by representatives of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), the Customs Service and the free economic zones “Expo-Business-Chișinău”, “Ungheni-Business” and “Bălți”.

The event agenda includes sessions dedicated to intellectual property as a strategic asset for free economic zones, cooperation between customs authorities and other actors in preventing illicit trade, as well as the exchange of regional experiences on the development of free economic zones as innovation centers.

On October 23, the program continues with a technical visit to DFactory Barcelona, ​​where participants will have the opportunity to learn about applications and solutions in the field of Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and the development of innovation infrastructure.

AGEPI’s participation in this event provides the opportunity to exchange experience with international and regional institutions and organizations on the valorization of intellectual property, the protection of rights and the promotion of innovation in the context of the activity of free economic zones.