Valorisation PracticesIP4OS
Unpacking the Possibilities of Intellectual Property for Open Science
At a Glance
- A coordinated approach to intellectual property management and Open Science in Europe with Synergy Framework
- Helping research organisations apply the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”
- Combining expertise from different fields to improve IP management and use of IP via multi-professional teams
Need for a concerted approach
Over the past three decades, Europe has made significant progress in strengthening intellectual property management while increasingly embracing Open Science practices. Many higher education institutions (HEIs), SMEs, and other public and private research-performing organisations (RPOs)—key contributors to Europe’s research excellence—now benefit from specialised expertise, including knowledge transfer professionals, open access specialists, IP managers, and OS ambassadors who support these activities.
Despite this progress, practical methods and infrastructures that effectively connect IP management with Open Science practices remain limited. Many researchers and professionals still lack awareness, knowledge, or practical skills in one or both areas, and some even perceive IP and OS as incompatible. While certain tensions do exist, for example between Open Science and trade secrecy, these are only part of the broader picture.
Efforts to promote knowledge valorisation in Europe often focus on either IP or OS separately. As a result, opportunities for a coordinated approach, such as combining copyright with open-source models or regulatory exclusivities with open dissemination are frequently overlooked, limiting the full potential for knowledge valorisation.
Facilitating IP management to support OS
The IP4OS approach promotes a balanced integration of IP management and Open Science practices, guided by the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary.” It recognises that different tools may be appropriate depending on the context and distinguishes between approaches that support openness, such as open-source licensing, and those that may be less compatible with Open Science practices, such as trade secrets. By carefully selecting suitable instruments, the approach enables effective IP management while maintaining the sharing and accessibility of research outputs.
At the centre of this approach is the Synergy Framework, which integrates agile IP management principles with Open Science practices. It highlights how IP can support Open Science while ensuring that intellectual property rights remain intact. The framework outlines best practices and practical tools to support openness throughout the research cycle. Multi-professional teams combining expertise in IP, Open Science, and knowledge transfer help researchers make informed decisions about managing and valorising their research assets.
