Synergy Framework for Knowledge Valorisation

The Synergy Framework for Knowledge Valorisation is a freely available handbook published by the Horizon Europe project IP4OS.

It follows the Code of Practice on the management of intellectual assets for knowledge valorisation in the European Research Area and aims to support a shift in research culture and knowledge valorisation by bringing together Open Science (OS) practices and Intellectual Property (IP) management. It sets out a “concerted IP–OS approach”, pushing back against the idea that openness and IP protection are inherently at odds, and putting into practice the principle of being “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” in order to unpack effective valorisation possibilities for economic growth, societal and environmental progress, or improved policy making.

The framework offers evidence-informed recommendations to help researchers, research supporting roles (such as research manager, Knowledge Technology Transfer officers, librarians, data stewards et al.) and institutions tackle common challenges, including limited IP literacy, misaligned incentives, and gaps in policy and guidance. It also provides a practical roadmap for policymakers and institutions, recommending capacity-building through multi-professional teams (as proposed by IP4OS; see here and here) and reforms to research assessment so that both open sharing and responsible IP management are properly recognised.

Overall, the framework supports the European Research Area Policy Agenda by showing that OS and economic competitiveness can work hand in hand as part of a modern research ecosystem.