Quebec report recommends compulsory training of students in IP management

By Alex Navarre

The final report from the Conseil de la science et de la technologie (CST) concludes that intellectual property (IP) is at the heart of innovation strategies that are increasingly driven by collaborations and market opportunities. Entitled La gestion de la PI dans les relations entre l'université et l'entreprise, the report suggests new avenues within an open innovation environment, including concerted action between universities, companies and research centres, training activities in innovation and entrepreneurship and initiatives to help SMEs manage their IP (R$, March 2/11).

The report provides an overview of the evolution and relative performance of technology transfer worldwide, noting that most countries have enacted legislation or regulation to give universities the lead role in the commercialization of research. It acknow-ledges that while most universities have equipped themselves with commercialization units, the spectrum of motivations and objectives is very wide.

The report notes that Quebec leads in terms of its R&D effort with a BERD ratio of 2.63% of GDP while the OECD average was 2.28%. in 2007. However, despite considerable tax credit programs, it points to Quebec's poor innovation record and singles out recommendations corresponding to perceived success factors which corroborate most past studies on the subject.

Perhaps the newest recommendation is for decision makers to mobilize and create an alliance between associations, universities and industry to address the challenges identified in the report as a result of the complexity of IP management.

In particular, the report identifies the training in innovation, IP management and entrepreneurship as the weak link in the system. It suggests compulsory training within academic institutions.

The province is developing a broad policy on entrepreneurship due early this fall. It's expected that it will address the recommendations of the IP report. The report was the last activity of the CST, which was abolished in the last provincial Budget. Its remaining resources are being integrated into Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

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