The Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI) have published IP Pragmatics’ Review of Intellectual Property Management and Conflicts of Interest, which provides a framework for the strengthening of IP policies and procedures in higher education in Ireland.
The system that supports commercialisation of Irish institutions’ intellectual property has evolved rapidly over a short time, underpinned by the national Policy for Research Commercialisation, which was published in 2012. IP Pragmatics undertook a review which examines IP-related policies, their implementation, and the management of potential conflicts of interest. This concluded that the higher education institutions have demonstrated good practice, particularly in the management of IP commercialisation, but also identified some areas for improvement.
The Review makes ten recommendations, primarily in relation to conflicts of interest and spin-out companies. The process of implementing these recommendations has already commenced, and enhanced engagement is underway between HEA, KTI and other stakeholders with the aim of strengthening IP policies and procedures.
Commencing in 2017, the Review covered 22 higher education institutions in Ireland: 7 Universities, 14 Institutes of Technology, and one specialist College. Our methodology included analysis of relevant institutional policies, a questionnaire completed by Technology-Transfer Officers and research managers, and in-depth interviews.
Full details are contained in the full report.
For further information, contact Elaine Eggington, Executive Director (Consulting)
