Section: Innovation processes and systems | IP management: evaluation and protection | e-learning centre
Main course pageInnovation processes and systems
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Innovation processes and systems
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Main purposes of this module:
- to connect the innovation environment to a dedicated patent-based innovation system methodology by describing the innovation process itself
- to provide an overview of a number of innovation styles ranging from structured brainstorming to open innovation
- to explain the role of IP in the innovation process
- to exemplify open innovation to clarify the benefit of a more broad-ranging perspective
Topics to be covered:
i. Capturing IP in the innovation process
ii. Different approaches - project management: Stage gate or Agile approach
iii. Open vs. closed innovation
iv. IP and the innovation process
v. IP and open innovation
vi. IP sub-processes - Invention handling process; IP licensing process; IP risk management processRead more about this module:
It is important that the innovation process is set up correctly so that IP can be successfully captured to the financial benefit of the firm/HTB whilst incentivising inventors (internal and external) appropriately in full compliance with the law.
Two main project management techniques are discussed. A stage-gate approach divides the process into distinct phases with decision points at each stage to review IP-specific tasks performed in the previous process phase in a disciplined manner. An agile approach, which stems from software development, allows adaptive planning and evolutionary development rather than focusing on delivering perfect finished products. Agile methods require more effort to integrate IP-related activities.
With the increasing complexity of technology, collaboration between technology partners is needed, complementing each other's competencies, with a shift from traditional, closed innovation within one firm to open, collaborative innovation between different partners. Managing the innovation process includes taking the right IP decisions at the right innovation stages associated with different uncertainties; at each stage the role of IP needs to be assessed. Various IP issues that need to be addressed when engaging in open innovation are reviewed in particular (IP environment, maturity, eco system, its role).
Sub-processes: the invention-handling process gives some guidance on how to handle the process of disclosing an idea/invention within a company or organisation. Different aspects of licensing agreements are briefly highlighted (see series 3, module 2 for an in depth discussion). IP risk management requires the systematic identification of IP-related risks and an approach to handling and monitoring them.
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Watch the video
In this module participants will be introduced to a number of innovation styles, IP decisions and process-control mechanisms, including the integration of IP-related activities into company innovation processes.
Speaker: Donal O’Connell (00:52:32h)
- to connect the innovation environment to a dedicated patent-based innovation system methodology by describing the innovation process itself
