On 1 March 2023, the European Commission adopted two Recommendations, presented on 7 March, setting out codes of practice for research and innovation: one on the management of intellectual assets for knowledge valorisation, and one on standardisation. Together they aim to help research results reach society and the market faster.
Why these codes matter
Europe produces excellent research, but too little of it is turned into new products, services and solutions. Valorisation means creating value from knowledge by making research results usable for the economy and society. Managing intellectual assets well and linking research to standardisation are two of the most effective ways to make that happen.
Code of practice on the management of intellectual assets for knowledge valorisation
The code aims to increase the impact of research results and innovative technologies and to speed up the uptake of knowledge. It gives guidance on managing intellectual assets strategically, from identifying and protecting them to sharing and using them, including in collaborations between research organisations and industry.
It is addressed to all research and innovation actors: universities, research organisations, researchers, companies and public authorities.
Code of practice on standardisation in the European Research Area
The code helps integrate research and innovation activities with standardisation. It sets out good practices that apply in any technology area and at different stages of technological maturity, from agreeing on terminology and concepts to testing, interoperability and performance.
Involving researchers in standardisation early helps new technologies reach the market and builds trust in them.
Policy background
Both codes put into practice the Council Recommendation on guiding principles for knowledge valorisation, adopted in December 2022. The guiding principles were first proposed in the Commission’s 2020 Communication on a new European Research Area for research and innovation, and they form part of the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, endorsed by the Council in November 2021.
What this means in practice
The codes are not legally binding, but they set the expected standard for research projects funded by the EU and for cooperation between research and industry. Organisations can use them to:
- set up or review an internal policy for managing intellectual assets;
- agree clear rules on ownership, access and use of results in consortium and cooperation agreements;
- plan how results will be exploited, licensed or brought into standards;
- show funders and investors that their results are well managed and ready for use.
We advise research organisations and companies on intellectual property, valorisation and standardisation in EU projects.
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