IP framework critical to commercialising research – DESE
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) is soliciting feedback from universities, researchers and industry on a new Higher Education Research Commercialisation (HERC) IP framework. This is designed to promote greater collaboration between universities and industry and boost research commercialisation in Australia.
Submissions close on 18 October.
The Australian Government announced in the 2020-21 Budget it is providing $5.8 million to scope a University Research Commercialisation Scheme to better translate and commercialise university research outputs. This is in addition to the $1.2 billion provided to the university research sector to maintain capability and excellence of Australian research.
The scoping study will develop options for the establishment of a Scheme, drawing on advice from universities, industry and other experts and will be presented to Government for consideration.
“In my consultation with the sector, IP has been identified as a key barrier to universities and business working together,” said Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge.
“Barriers to negotiating IP include lack of money, time and expertise on both sides, and a lack of understanding of each other’s needs and objectives.”
Standardised agreements would reduce frictions between universities and business and cut down on time spent negotiating, he said.
“While Australia produces world-class research, we need to reduce the barriers that stand in the way of turning great research outcomes into breakthrough new commercial products and ideas that will create new businesses and grow our economy,” he added.
“We want our researchers and universities to be rewarded for their discoveries, and ensure collaborating partners have certainty to back their investment.”
The HERC IP Framework will provide standardised licensing and contractual agreements for intellectual property rights to establish a strong foundation for negotiating and managing successful university-industry collaborations and partnerships.
To find out more or contribute to the consultation paper, visit: https://www.dese.gov.au/urc
Consultations can be submitted until 18 October 2021.