Intellectual property (IP) and technology transfer are in a constant tug-of-war between incentivizing innovation and ensuring accessibility. A key current topic is the role of IP in tackling climate change. While strong patents protect clean tech inventions, they can also limit their spread to developing countries. Discussions are underway on how to balance these competing interests, e.g. through flexible licensing.
Another hot issue is university technology transfer. Universities are increasingly focused on commercializing research, but this can create tension with the traditional goals of open knowledge sharing. There’s a growing need for clear guidelines on faculty ownership of inventions and efficient technology transfer processes, especially in life sciences like pharmaceuticals.
The landscape is further complicated by the rise of complex software and big data. Webinars and resources are popping up to help universities and businesses navigate the intricacies of software licensing and navigate the legal complexities of AI and data ownership. In short, the field of IP and technology transfer is grappling with how to balance ownership rights with global challenges and the rapid pace of technological change.
