Richard Stokes represented Invent at the ‘Innovation Through Cooperation’ Conference in Cardiff - 6^th February 2009 

ProTon Europe – Cardiff Statement on Innovation Through Co-operation

Richard Stokes Director of Invent represented Invent at the recent Conference on ‘Innovation Through Cooperation’ in Cardiff between 4-6 February.

ProTon Europe is the European knowledge transfer association. Established in 2003, ProTon’s membership includes 220 knowledge transfer offices and a network of 10 national partner associations comprising over 500 knowledge transfer offices together employing some 2000 knowledge transfer professionals.
At the conference PROTON EUROPE stressed the need for Member States to continue to invest in research & development and innovation.  Such investment is necessary in the present economic crisis if we are to achieve sustainable economic advantage.  The Association also highlighted the importance of establishing long-term strategic partnerships between universities and industry which are essential for the development of collaborative R&D and the commercialisation of the resulting intellectual property.  In addition, greater collaboration within and between institutions will be prerequisite for the achievement of effective and meaningful knowledge transfer.

Proton members recommend that Universities need to provide greater incentives for academics and researchers interested in setting up new high tech ventures.  Notably they should be more flexible in granting leave of absence to researchers wishing to establish their own businesses.  Academic recruitment, promotion procedures and remuneration should take account of experience in innovation and commercialisation.  Also, it is essential to enable researchers and KT professional to move across national borders and sectors in the Triple Helix (Government-Industry-Universities) without loss of pension or other rights.

Greater emphasis needs to be placed on increasing the recognition and status of the Knowledge Transfer profession in higher education and all other sectors of the economy. In accordance with the Commission’s Code of Practice, Universities should put in place the elements of professional development and career progression for knowledge transfer professionals.