One of the ways to generate greater impact from research results is through Intellectual Property (IP) and the licensing of a broader set of assets. This approach has so far been overlooked by research teams, but also by licensing professionals more generally, who continue to prioritise high-value patentable results.
The IMPAC3T-IP team, of which META Group is a part – contributing to the communication, dissemination and exploitation of the EU-funded initiative – has developed a toolbox and a free-of-charge training programme (the IMPAC3T-IP Academy™) to specifically address this issue.
“We need licensing approaches that reflect the diversity of research itself,” explains Andrea di Anselmo, META Group President coordinating the IMPAC3T-IP action. “From life-saving technologies to cultural archives, every output deserves a pathway to reach users. The toolbox and AcademyTM are designed to give practitioners the skills, knowledge and means to manage that diversity effectively and with purpose.”
This is geared towards Technology Transfer and Knowledge Valorisation officers (TTOs and KTOs), researchers, universities, enterprises, policymakers and others engaged in IP and licensing. It aims to strengthen capacities, ensuring that licensing contributes not only to economic growth but also to societal and equitable outcomes.
Three scenarios to licensing research results
The toolbox and the AcademyTM are centred around three scenarios that respond to real-world challenges and needs:
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- Classical Plus: looks beyond traditional IP approaches to include non-patent assets, such as copyrights, know-how, datasets and digital collections. It promotes licensing strategies that account for cultural and societal value, especially relevant to the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
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- Crisis: focuses on equitable access to technology in times of crisis, from pandemics and natural disasters to systemic challenges such as antimicrobial resistance or malnutrition. It offers adaptable licensing frameworks, particularly for use in low- and middle-income countries.
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- Co-creation: addresses the complexities of IP generated through multi-stakeholder innovation, helping users manage ownership, participation, and licensing in collaborative projects involving communities, patients, and public partners.
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- Guidelines on copyright ownership,
- Licensing templates,
- AI-assisted decision-making tools,
- Case studies,
- Model agreements,
- Co-creation management frameworks.
- Day 1 of the event will launch the toolbox, gather experts from across Europe to discuss how knowledge and technology transfer can better align with societal goals and provide networking opportunities.
- Day 2 will feature an AcademyTM training.