The IAM4RE.eu project represents a strategic pivot in how European research institutions handle innovation, moving from traditional Intellectual Property (IP) management to a broader, more holistic Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) framework. This transition is not merely semantic; it signifies a fundamental change in how value is defined, captured, and distributed within the European Research Area.
Defining Intellectual Asset Management (IAM)
Within the context of this project, IAM is defined as a comprehensive approach that transcends the "narrow emphasis on revenue generation (commercialisation)" associated with traditional IP management. While IP management typically focuses on legal protection (patents, copyrights) and direct financial returns, IAM focuses on value creation that benefits the broader innovation ecosystem. This broader framework aligns with the European Council’s "Guiding Principles for Knowledge Valorisation" and the specific "Code of Practice on the management of intellectual assets". The goal is to facilitate a paradigm shift where Public Research Organisations (PROs) and Academic Institutions (AcIs) move beyond simple technology transfer to valorising the entire research process, creating societal and economic value from early-stage research results.
How IAM4RE.eu Addresses IAM
The project utilises a multi-layered strategy to embed this new IAM culture into European institutions, addressing policy, education, and operational capacity.
Diagnosing the "Knowledge Gap" (Policy & Strategy)
The project begins by acknowledging a significant gap in early-stage support for managing intellectual assets, which is essential for creating spin-offs. Through Work Package 1, the consortium conducts a landscape analysis to validate knowledge gaps regarding Knowledge Valorisation (KV) and Standardisation. The objective is to develop Policy Guidelines that allow PROs to embed these IAM principles into their "institutional DNA," ensuring that policies reflect a strategy of value creation rather than just protection.
Structuring Educational Pathways (Content Development)
To operationalise IAM, the project develops a specific Training Suite in Work Package 2, structured into basic, intermediate, and advanced tiers.
- Foundations: The curriculum begins with innovation foundations and IAM basics.
- Advanced Management: It progresses to "Strategic Innovation and Compliance Pathways" and "Sustainable Innovation Management".
- Standardisation Integration: Crucially, the project links IAM with Standardisation, training researchers to see standards not just as technical requirements, but as strategic assets that can create markets for innovative products.These resources are delivered via a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) targeting students, researchers, and spin-offs.
Transforming Intermediaries (Capacity Building)
A critical component of dealing with IAM is redefining the role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs). The project posits that TTOs must evolve from simple facilitators or administrative offices into key agents in building capacity and capability within their institutions.
To achieve this, Work Package 3 implements a "Train-the-Trainer" programme. This programme equips representatives from TTOs, research support offices, and incubators with the skills to teach IAM workshops. By training the intermediaries, the project ensures the sustainability of IAM practices, allowing institutions to continue building capacity long after the project ends.
Validating through "Service Formats" (Implementation)
The project does not rely solely on theory; it develops innovative service formats, toolkits, guidelines, and templates, designed to support the entire knowledge valorisation process. In Work Package 4, these services are piloted in several diverse PROs and AcIs. This "learning-by-doing" approach allows the consortium to validate the effectiveness of these IAM tools in real-world scenarios, identifying structural bottlenecks and refining the toolkit for broader European adoption.