WIPO/INN/MCT/04/3

WIPO NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INNOVATION SUPPORT SERVICES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

Muscat, April 20, 2004

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIONDEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIONCENTERCENTER

presented by the International Bureau of theWorld Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

2Muscat - April 20, 2004

Invention and Innovation

• Invention

• Innovation

• Key actors in the innovation process:• inventors and innovators

• entrepreneurs

• R&D organizations

• innovative companies

3Muscat - April 20, 2004

Innovation Support Services -Are They Necessary?

• Invention and innovation = engines of growth and development

• Innovations do not happen = they are planned and developed

• Longer period for development and marketing • Need for initial support and resources

4Muscat - April 20, 2004

Government Support is Justified

Many governments support innovation public services, financing, tax breaks

Private sector = limited support, expecting short term returns

Innovation support = long term, strategic investment, same as funding for R&D activities

Innovation support = public service, similar to health care and education

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Designing an Innovation Support Service

Main Objectives: Promote innovation and knowledge based sustainable development Stimulate use and application of national knowledge

and innovation potential Encourage employment through creativity and

entrepreneurship

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Designing an Innovation Support Service

Main Actions: Selection and information Assistance / advise / coaching Education and awareness building

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Designing an InnovationSupport Service

Activities:Receiving and screening innovative projectsAssess success potentialSupport promising projectsPromote awareness

8Muscat - April 20, 2004

Designing an InnovationSupport Service

Activities:Maximize the number of routinely processed

inventions/projectsAssist development and packaging of promising

inventions / projectsAttract resources for promising projectsEducate inventors / innovators on the innovation

process and management

9Muscat - April 20, 2004

Creating an Innovation Center Feasibility Study

Existing innovation and invention potential Sources of invention and innovation The major fields of technology The existing expertise The legal and financial framework Government policies and support for innovation Intellectual property system Beneficiaries (SMEs, R&D organizations, etc.) Economic and financial environment for enterprise

creation and support for public sector R&D

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Creating an Innovation Center

Strategic Decisions:• Define objectives

• Identify field of technology

• Identify general manager / innovation champion

• Identify participants / stakeholders• private sector, government agencies, financial institutions,

universities, R&D organizations

• Select board members

• Define scope of activities and conditions (free or fee based)

11Muscat - April 20, 2004

Creating an Innovation CenterStrategic Decisions - Scope of Activities:

• Innovation awareness creation and training

• Project assessment and report

• Project support and business planning

• IPR related services

• Business promotion and marketing

• Strong Internet presence

• Company hosting and incubation

12Muscat - April 20, 2004

Creating an Innovation Center

Strategic Decisions - Conditions: • Free services, cost-recovery based services or commercial (for

profit) services

• Limited to specific users or open for all

• Participation in innovative companies (minority participation)

• Investment (management of innovation support or development fund)

13Muscat - April 20, 2004

Creating an Innovation CenterOperational Planning and Implementation:

Recruitment of CEO (General Manager)Recruitment of Personal Assistant for CEOIdentification of site/premises for officesFormulate policies and procedures for operations:

initial free consultation (e.g. 1 hr. duration)further support (e.g. project equity, cost fee)produce a check-list for assessing submissionsproduce a score sheet for project evaluation

Select local advisers / consultants accountants and auditors, legal advisers

14Muscat - April 20, 2004

Creating an Innovation CenterOperational Planning and Implementation:

Select project assessment panel Identify technical experts to assist in project evaluationDevelop and use operational guidelines and model

agreements confidential disclosure agreement model supply of materials agreement model consultancy and services agreement assignment of rights agreement model R&D, license, and joint venture agreements

Create Internet site Engagement of business development executives

15Muscat - April 20, 2004

Creating an Innovation Center

• Innovation support services to be operated as business companies

• Operational funds should be made available for a minimal period of 3 to 5 years

• Promising innovation projects to be also considered by government planners

• Innovation support services should not be subject to taxation (profit or cooperate tax)

• Special attention to intellectual property (IP) matters

16Muscat - April 20, 2004

Conclusions

• Innovation Support Services: Add value to R&D activities Selection of promising projects Nursery for new products and technology Entrepreneurs create the missing link Government and public authorities create favorable

environment

17Muscat - April 20, 2004

Innovation support services

help transform ideas

and dreams into real action and products

Thank you for your attention