Project: The Role of Intellectual Property to Accelerate Sustainability Transitions

Acronym	IPACST (Reference Number: 804)
Duration	01/01/2019 - 01/01/2022
Project Topic	Transformations to sustainability rely on innovation with complex diffusion and adoption processes. The role of intellectual property (IP) and IP rights (IPR) in sustainability transitions remains insufficiently understood. IPR can delay transitions by blocking new technologies, but if used effectively can encourage private investments, knowledge sharing and collaborative learning. The project transforms our understanding of how IP models accelerate sustainability transitions. It contributes through the integration of both fields through frameworks that conceptualize (i) which, (ii) how and (iii) under what conditions IP models accelerate sustainable transitions, in connection with sustainable business models. We build an interdisciplinary research community that furthers our understanding of dynamic sustainable development. An IP model and sustainable business model typology and conceptual frameworks will be developed based on case studies in clean energy and circular economy in developing and developed countries. With a Delphi study and simulations, the frameworks will be tested for further contexts. To create impact in industries at different levels, we develop and promote tools for selecting suitable IP and business models, best-practice cases and guidelines, and awareness and training kits for key stakeholders such as policy makers, funding organizations, businesses and start-up incubators, education institutions and technology transfer offices.
Website	visit project website
Network	T2S
Call	A Multilateral Joint Call for Proposals on Transformations to Sustainability (T2S)

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin	Coordinator	Germany
2	Lund University	Partner	Sweden
3	University of Cambridge	Partner	United Kingdom