Many UNECE countries with emerging market economies have a well-established tradition in academic and applied research. However, the commercialization of the results of research and development (R&D), which is pivotal for the competitiveness of the modern economy, often faces difficulties linked to inadequate business climate, lack of entrepreneurial experience by academics as well as problems in commercializing R&D outputs. Poor linkages between the academia and the business sector and insufficient sources of financing also create obstacles to the establishment of new innovation-based enterprises and spin-off companies.
The international experience suggests that effective commercialization of R&D results requires a regulatory and institutional setup which fosters collaboration between the academia and the business sector. In particular, clear legal definition and protection of intellectual property rights, targeted financial support to patenting, consultative services to would-be entrepreneurs and the development of innovation support institutions could contribute to removing the existing bottlenecks at various stages of commercialization.
These and other issues relating to the transformation of intellectual property of academic institutions into marketable products and services will be discussed at the International Conference “From Applied Research to Entrepreneurship: Promoting Innovation-driven Start-ups and Academic Spin-offs” and a Capacity-building Seminar “Intellectual Property Management at Public Research Organizations”, which will take place on 9 to 11 November 2010 in Kiev, Ukraine.  The two events are co-organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Technical University (Kyiv Polytechnic Institute) of Ukraine.
The International Conference and Capacity-building Seminar seek to facilitate knowledge sharing and a broad exchange of experiences and good practices among policy-makers and practitioners with a view to drawing up of relevant recommendations to government bodies and other stakeholders in charge of innovation and enterprise development.
For further information, please visit: http://www.unece.org/ceci/documents/2010/eed/conf_eed10.html
or contact:

Mr. Iouri Adjoubei Phone: +41 (0)22 917 2488 E-mail: [email protected] Or Mr. Ralph Heinrich (intellectual property matters) Tel.: (+4122) 917 1269 E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. José Palacin +41 (0)22 917 1643 [email protected]

Ref: ECE/ECID/10/P09