Introduction to commercialisation at IUNG-PIB
In today’s world, where innovation and research play a key role in the development of the economy, commercialisation of research results has become an important element of the activities of research institutes. The Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute (IUNG-PIB), with its rich scientific and technological-industrial output (contribution to this area), is taking steps to market the results of its research effectively. This process not only contributes to the institute’s development but also supports the local and national economy by creating new jobs and introducing innovative solutions in various fields, such as agriculture, biotechnology and environmental protection.
Updates to the regulations and the role of education
The cornerstone of effective commercialisation is well-constructed by-laws that clarify the rules on the rights and obligations of staff and doctoral students with regard to the protection of intellectual property. The new version of the bylaws has introduced changes that respond to dynamically changing legislation and industry best practices. The institute’s staff regularly participate in training and workshops to update their knowledge related to commercialisation, which increases their skills and awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual rights.
Education in this area does not end with internal training alone. Participation in conferences, such as those organised as part of the Innovation 4.0 Incubator project, provides an additional platform for sharing experiences and learning from external experts. There, it is possible to gain knowledge about the latest trends in commercialisation and examples of successful implementations of innovations by leading scientific institutions.
Innovation Incubator 4.0 project
The 'Innovation Incubator 4.0′ project was a key project aimed at strengthening the links between science and industry. The project’s closing conference was accompanied by a series of speeches and workshops attended by both IUNG-PIB staff and industry representatives. Participants shared experiences, discussed problems and looked at the latest technologies in the commercialisation of research results. The good practices that emerged from the project are being used to optimise processes at IUNG-PIB and provide a foundation for further development of the institute in the area of commercialisation.
Contract models and commercialisation strategies
In the commercialisation contract templates that have been developed and prepared, the institute incorporates a variety of models that are tailored to the specifics of future technologies and the expectations of potential partners. Thanks to the flexibility in the contractual models, IUNG-PIB can adapt the approach depending on the type of invention and its applications. Here are some key examples of commercialisation models:
- Licensing: allows the institute to retain intellectual property rights while making technology available to external parties. This allows IUNG-PIB to profit from royalties and increase the market reach of its inventions.
- Sale of rights: Full transfer of rights to extremely innovative technologies to external parties with a one-off payment. This model can be used when an institute decides to withdraw from further commercialisation.
- Creation of a new entity: Under this model, the institute may decide to create a special purpose company, spin-off or spin-out, which deals exclusively with the commercialisation of the developed technologies. This allows resources and knowledge to be concentrated within the new entity, which in turn facilitates the process of bringing innovations to market.
- Collaborative agreements: these consortium agreements involve working with other entities to jointly develop and implement technologies. In this case, the institute is given the opportunity to share profits from the commercialisation of an established amount with its partners, which increases flexibility and market exit opportunities (e.g. projects carried out under competitions organised by the National Centre for Research and Development).
Additional good practices in state research institutes
In addition to the existing key practices that are implemented at IUNG-PIB, it is worth highlighting other good practices that improve the efficiency of the commercialisation process at our research institute:
- Mentoring and advising: Introduction of mentoring programs in which experienced staff and external experts offer their junior colleagues and doctoral students support and advice on commercialisation. Such a system creates a culture of collaboration and increases market knowledge.
- Building collaborative networks: A key element of success in commercialisation is collaboration with industry and other research entities. Integration with the private sector fosters the identification of real market needs, which enables technologies to be better aligned with customer expectations.
- Regular evaluation and reporting: Systematic review of the results of commercialisation activities and analysis of the effectiveness of adopted strategies allows ongoing adaptation of activities to changing market conditions. The introduction of cyclical reports allows the identification of strengths and weaknesses in commercialisation processes (use of IP PULS software, which will be expanded).
- Data protection and confidentiality: Establishing procedures to protect sensitive data and know-how in the context of commercialisation. When bringing new technologies to market, the institute should ensure that relevant information remains confidential and that its disclosure does not adversely affect the commercial potential of inventions.
- Risk management: Developing a commercialisation risk management strategy that identifies possible barriers and problems that may arise during the process. This type of approach will allow actions to be planned in advance to minimise potential losses.
Summary
Good commercialisation practices implemented at IUNG-PIB, supported by updated regulations, education and, inter alia, the Innovation Incubator 4.0 project, create a solid foundation for the dynamic development of the institute and the effective introduction of research results to the market. Their systematic implementation may not only contribute to an increase in the financial effects of the institute, but also increase the innovative value of the research conducted, strengthening the position of IUNG-PIB as a leading research institution in Poland, in particular in the area of agriculture and related activities. In the face of dynamically changing market realities, success in commercialisation will also depend on the ability to adapt to new challenges and needs, which may become the key to further development and wide application of research results.
What action is ahead for IUNG-PIB?
IUNG-PIB’s participation as a Partner in projects such as Science4Business and WAB 2.0 (currently underway) can bring a number of benefits to the commercialisation of research results. Here are the key aspects that highlight how these projects can support the effectiveness of the institute’s activities in terms of cooperation with business:
1. Increasing the efficiency of commercialisation.
Participation in the Science4Business project allows the identification of solutions with commercialisation potential, which directly translates into better exploitation of research results. The industrial research and experimental development partnership provides IUNG with access to a structure that will help bring innovations to market more efficiently.
2. Transfer of knowledge and know-how.
The project aims to transfer technology and increase knowledge about the role of technology transfer in science and the economy. Cooperation with the higher education sector (primarily through collaboration within PACTT) and networking with the business community will enable IUNG to gain valuable information and practices that can support the commercialisation of research results.
3. Access to specialised training.
The partnership provides priority access to specialised training. Educational programmes on commercialisation, project management and cooperation with business can strengthen the competences of IUNG employees and raise their awareness of current market trends.
4. Commitment to startup incubation.
As part of the WAB 2.0 project, IUNG-PIB has the opportunity to engage in the incubation of start-ups, which can influence the development of competencies within new research directions. Support in the implementation of ideas put forward by start-ups will contribute to faster commercialisation of innovations and may lead to new partnerships and joint research ventures.
5. Networking and cooperation with business.
Participation in the above-mentioned projects will open up IUNG-PIB to collaboration with other research organisations and industry, which will create new opportunities to develop research projects and jointly fund activities. Such networking will facilitate the identification of common goals and objectives that are in line with both market needs and the institute’s capabilities.
6. Increasing competitiveness.
By participating in projects, IUNG-PIB gains the opportunity to introduce innovative solutions that can strengthen its position in the market. An innovative approach to research
and commercialisation not only broadens the institute’s offer, but also increases its attractiveness in the eyes of potential business partners.
7. Long-term development and financial sustainability.
Preparing innovative enterprises for economic activity (as part of incubation) enables IUNG-PIB to obtain stable sources of funding through various forms of cooperation and technology transfer. The increase in the number of innovative solutions on offer at the institute translates into long-term development and opportunities for further investment in research.
8. Securing funding for pre-implementation work (Science4Business project).
The provision of funding for pre-implementation work under the Science4Business project creates numerous benefits for researchers, particularly in the context of raising the technology readiness level (TRL) of innovative solutions. These funds enable researchers from IUNG-PIB to conduct comprehensive research, which is a key step in verifying technologies and prototypes in real application conditions. Increasing the TRL not only increases the attractiveness of projects in the eyes of potential investors and partners, but also significantly increases the chances of their successful commercialisation. Moreover, such financial support will contribute to strengthening IUNG-PIB’s position as an innovative institution, which will open up new opportunities for cooperation with the industrial sector and foster further development of technologies supporting sustainable agriculture.
Summary
The participation of IUNG-PIB in the Science4Business and WAB 2.0 projects creates many opportunities (two projects were mentioned as examples of good practice) that can significantly contribute to the commercialisation of research results. Supporting cooperation with business, access to training, identification of innovative solutions and development of start-ups, are key elements that will have a positive impact on the development of the institute and its ability to effectively bring innovations to the market.
Thanks to the implementation of these projects, IUNG-PIB can increase its importance as a research centre, but also become an even more active participant in the area of innovation implementation. In the long term, such activities may bring economic benefits and also allow for an increase in the number of patents and licences related to research results, which will significantly raise the prestige of the institute in the eyes of the scientific and industrial community.
Visions for the future
Involvement in projects such as Science4Business and WAB 2.0 (which are now good practice among public research performing units) is part of IUNG-PIB’s broader vision for the future, in which innovation is not just the result of scientific work, but also a real contribution to economic development. In addition to well-established relationships with industry, the institute aims to create a community of people with a passion for innovation, which fosters the exchange of expert knowledge and activates a support network for future entrepreneurs.
The need to monitor achievements
Ultimately, regular monitoring of the achievements and effectiveness of commercialisation activities will be necessary to effectively implement these strategies. IUNG-PIB expects to assess on an ongoing basis which commercialisation models are most effective, what new opportunities for collaboration with the private sector are opening up and how research results can be better adapted to market realities. The introduction of a reporting and evaluation system will allow the institute to continuously improve its commercialisation strategies and adapt them to the changing environment.
In summary, initiatives such as the current Science4Business and WAB 2.0 projects are solid tools that can bring significant benefits to the commercialisation structure of IUNG-PIB. The previously mentioned activities (related to the implementation of Innovation Incubator 4.0) are pillars that have provided new practices, knowledge and collaboration opportunities. IUNG-PIB increases the potential to become one of the leaders in the area of commercialisation of innovations originating from agriculture (mainly within crop production), as well as to contribute to technology transfer within this area of Poland. By supporting this process, the institute builds its brand, as well as contributes to the growth of innovation in the national economy.