Management of Intellectual Property in Research and Development A search for systems from the point of view of Research & Technology Organizations (RTOs)

The following discussion tries to identify key factors and mechanisms for the management of IP in research and development. Considering some experiences gathered from different players in Research and Development (R&D), in particular from institutes of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, a significant correlating starting point can be detected for the various R&D cooperation and schemes: By relying on a solid IP basis, R&D players can choose the most appropriate R&D cooperation and commercialisation schemes to meet their individual situations. The way of choosing of course is a matter of using most individual IP management methods, a matter of puzzling promising technologies with appropriate partnerships - at the right time. As diverse as these methods of choice are, there are nevertheless some basic considerations for IP management which may help to meet the challenges of the complex and demanding puzzling task. Most important seem to be a continuous and diligent care for own IP, the creation and fostering of sustainable and enduring R&D networks and the assessment of marketing chances. As practice shows, a balanced and flexible cooperation between the research community and industry often proves to be the key for joint progress and in the end for successful innovation.