Can a new approach result in more solutions for society? Aarhus University adopts eight principles
More flexible and closer to research. Aarhus University's new priorities will make it easier for researchers to convert new knowledge into concrete solutions.
Aarhus University adopts new commercialisation principles to help researchers from all parts of AU make a positive difference to society.
The key principles respond to increased interest from external parties for strong commercial collaboration, just as there is also a great deal of interest internally at the university in the opportunities commercial activities can create for the application of research.
The new approach consists of 8 key principles that will help realise what Director og Enterprise and Innovation, Lone Ryg Olsen calls a major untapped potential for society: The many good ideas from top-class university research.
"There are many excellent solutions and growth-creating companies that never become reality, and we want to do something about that. We have therefore taken an open-minded view of the way in which we work with commercialisation and rights, and we have asked the researchers how we can best help them."
The approach to commercialisation will vary across disciplines. In some academic areas, solutions and inventions are close to being put to market, while other fields find solutions where the market clarification is more uncertain. Both types of solutions will be taken into account with the new key principles.
Central to the strategic priorities is also that the university's business developers should be brought closer to the academic environments and act as a link to the market where desired. At the same time, they must increase the knowledge of the possibilities for commercialisation, so that even academic areas that have not traditionally had this focus are made aware of the opportunities that exist.
A differentiated approach to commercialisation and greater proximity to the academic environments are welcomed by Innovation Professor Claus Elsborg Olesen from Health:
"It's good for the commercialisation efforts at AU that it has now been stated that the academic breadth of the university requires a differentiated approach to translating innovative research into solutions. Close proximity to the academic environments is absolutely central if we are to strengthen our innovation environments and realise the commercialisation potential of our research."
Read more about the eight key principles for commercialisation here.