In the current landscape of knowledge transfer, traditional methods are enduring a significant shift. As innovators, content creators and owners (researchers, engineers, artists, technical developers, etc.) seek to extract value from their intellectual assets in innovative ways, projects like IMPAC3T-IP are driving the transformation, offering fresh perspectives.
“We come from a time when valorisation of knowledge was mainly about patents, but now we are embracing a broader vision of intellectual assets”, remarks Andrea Di Anselmo , president of META Group and coordinator of the project.
1. Classical+ scenario
One focal point of IMPAC3T-IP is expanding the licensing of academic knowledge beyond the confines of traditional patent licensing. Lisa Cowey, IPR expert and technical coordinator, highlights this shift, emphasising the inclusion of assets from diverse disciplines like the arts, social sciences, and humanities. She further explained how IMPAC3T-IP seeks to streamline the process for external companies, including startups, to acquire and utilise such knowledge.
“We are looking at things that are much more covered by copyright, and making it easier for outside companies, including startups, to get hold of that knowledge and use it”, she explains.
2. Crisis scenario
The project also looks into crisis licensing, addressing the urgent need for rapid knowledge dissemination in times of emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Organisations like the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust have opened a door in making research results more accessible, setting a precedent for IMPAC3T-IP to follow.
3. Co-creation scenario
Moreover, IMPAC3T-IP aims to foster collaboration in large-scale research initiatives involving various stakeholders, from civil society groups to policymakers. However, trust remains a crucial element in such partnerships, as Lisa Cowey points out, emphasising the complexity of openly sharing knowledge.
4. The IMPAC3T- IP licensing toolkit
To facilitate these new paradigms, IMPAC3T-IP is developing a toolkit comprising case studies, legal templates, and decision trees. Additionally, the project prioritises competence building, equipping knowledge transfer professionals with the skills needed to navigate these emerging challenges.
Engaging with policymakers and research charities is also pivotal, as they play a vital role in shaping the regulatory landscape for knowledge transfer. Lisa Cowey highlights the importance of legislative action to enable cross-border licensing, particularly in times of crisis: “While it is quite difficult to do compulsory licensing across borders at the moment, due to differences in legislative regimes, policymakers are the ones who can legislate to make it possible when needed”.
In essence, IMPAC3T-IP represents a transformative approach to intellectual asset valorisation, one that embraces inclusivity, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset. As academia navigates this new terrain, projects like IMPAC3T-IP serve as the lead of innovation, opening new paths for a more collaborative and impactful future.