Project progress
ip4inno - project progress update (24 June 2008)
ip4inno has published a new brochure describing benefits of participation for SMEs: download (PDF, 63 KB)
ip4inno - project progress update (29 February 2008)
On 29.2.2008 the ip4inno project launched a website aimed at SMEs and intellectual property trainers: www.ip4inno.eu.
ip4inno - project progress (status 11 December 2007)
The ip4inno project (IP for Innovation) during its first year of implementation has conducted the following activities:
1. Joint study and analysis of SMEs training needs
The objective of the study was to establish precise training needs of the target groups as regards understanding how to best protect and exploit intellectual property.
The aim was to identify information gaps, to elaborate the training needs guide reflecting the different target groups and provide proposals for the relevant training programmes.
The methodology comprised gathering and analysing pre-existing knowledge, creating new information via qualitative and quantitative surveys, assessment reports based on the previous experience of international projects (EBN, IPR Helpdesk) and identifying training needs.
The findings of this study confirmed the relevance of the training modules being developed by the consortium.
The full version of the study will be published soon.
2. Developing a project website
The aim of the website is to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of information and good practices and thus to contribute to increasing understanding of IP.
The first year was dedicated to designing the website, classifying the available content and distribution of tasks among the project partners with regards to timely and qualitative delivery of the information for the website.
The website www.ip4inno.eu will be launched early next year.
Additionally, the website will accommodate all training modules created by the project in the password-protected area and the database of the trainers trained by the project. This will allow for creating a network of trainers accessible to the public.
3. Gathering training material and completing training modules
Provision of training modules is a major component of the ip4inno project.
A strategy for harvesting of existing training material has been agreed among the partners. The gathered training material was indexed and distributed to the partners. Consequently, the drafting teams were created and the system of quality control ensured.
The consortium created 12 half-day training modules, each consisting of a Powerpoint presentation with teaching notes, case studies, group exercises, etc. The modules cover the main aspects of IP protection, exploitation and management.
The overview of the created training modules can be found in the "Training schedule" section of this website. Despite being complementary, the different modules are also self-sustaining so that any module can be followed independently.
4. Start of the "train the trainers" sessions in October 2007
The objective of this work package is to enable those trained by the "masters" to provide effective training to trainers (multipliers) at national level.
The process of selection of the suitable masters to deliver training on key IP issues was accomplished, the training modules defined and already 13 training events took place until end of 2007.
The training events aim to equip participants with the knowledge on how to protect and exploit their intellectual property and to better manage it in general. This is measured with evaluation forms compiled by the consortium to ensure the relevance and quality of the seminars.
Each participant - who should be coming from a recognised business advice or support service, or otherwise demonstrate an ability to pass on acquired knowledge through further trainings being organised by the participant - will receive an attendance certificate.
These training events will continue during the 10 months of 2008. Should you be interested in participating in some of the events, please consult the "Training schedule" section of the website and contact directly the organising institution.
Our activities planned for 2008:
1. Continuation of the "train the trainers" sessions until October 2008
2. Launch of the ip4inno website (www.ip4inno.eu) early next year.
3. Pilot regional training schemes for multipliers starting in January 2008 are planned to test the usefulness and relevance of the train the trainers seminars at the regional level (Flanders, Catalunya, Hungary)
4. Evaluation of the training events to provide the feedback and recommendations for future training initiatives.
