DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATION CENTER WIPO/INN/MCT/04/3 WIPO NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INNOVATION SUPPORT SERVICES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT Muscat, April 20, 2004 DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATION CENTER presented by the International Bureau of the World 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

5Muscat - April 20, 2004 Designing an Innovation Support Service Main Objectives: P romote innovation and knowledge based sustainable development Stimulate use and application of national knowledge and innovation potential Encourage employment through creativity and entrepreneurship

6Muscat - April 20, 2004 Designing an Innovation Support Service Main Actions: Ú S election and information Ú Assistance / advise / coaching Ú Education and awareness building

7Muscat - April 20, 2004 Designing an Innovation Support Service Activities: Receiving and screening innovative projects Assess success potential Support promising projects Promote awareness

8Muscat - April 20, 2004 Designing an Innovation Support Service Activities: Maximize the number of routinely processed inventions/projects Assist development and packaging of promising inventions / projects Attract resources for promising projects Educate 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

10Muscat - April 20, 2004 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 Center Strategic 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 Center Operational Planning and Implementation: Recruitment of CEO (General Manager) Recruitment of Personal Assistant for CEO Identification of site/premises for offices Formulate 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 submissions produce a score sheet for project evaluation Select local advisers / consultants accountants and auditors, legal advisers

14Muscat - April 20, 2004 Creating an Innovation Center Operational Planning and Implementation: Select project assessment panel Identify technical experts to assist in project evaluation Develop 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