Profession Deepening Module: Knowledge Transfer via a Concerted IP–OS Approach

This publication is part of the IP4OS Profession Deepening Modules and focuses on the role of Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) professionals. It consists of an expert insights video “Making ‘As Open as Possible, as Closed as Necessary’ Work in Everyday Research Support: Knowledge Transfer via a Concerted IP–OS Approach” and an accompanying exercise sheet “Knowledge Transfer Professionals Supporting Knowledge Valorisation.” Together, both resources serve as a valuable Open Educational Resource for European KTT and technology transfer office (TTO) professionals and colleagues in research support, broadening the perspective on their working reality in the context of Intellectual Property, Open Science and Knowledge Valorisation. They highlight how IP management and Open Science can work as complementary instruments within different knowledge valorisation strategies, and how KTT professionals can collaborate with researchers and other support functions. Core GoalKTT professionals, ideally as part of a multi-professional team (see also guidance on how to establish a multi-professional team and offer consultations on a concerted IP–OS approach), will be equipped to ask the right questions before advising on protection, publication and reuse, and to involve the right colleagues early enough. The video features perspectives from Art Bos on timing disclosure and patent protection and on coordination with Open Science and library support; from Ute Schelhaas on coordinated institutional support through software guidelines, community managers, the informal “URSE and Friends” network and agile collaboration; and from Eugene Sweeney on involving knowledge valorisation professionals early, ideally from the proposal stage, and on IP and Open Science as complementary strategic tools. Learning goalsBy completing this unit, participants: Identify the questions a KTT professional should ask before advising on protection, publication and reuse. Apply the three dimensions of the Knowledge Valorisation Rubric: Role Focus, Level of Reuse and Time. Identify which professional roles should be involved in a case, and when. Reflect on one practical change that could improve knowledge valorisation support in their institution. We recommend watching the video first and then deepening your knowledge through the exercise sheet. It contains five exercises: (1) a consultation scenario that starts with questions before advice, (2) an institutional policy exercise on policy as a valorisation enabler, (3) a cross-role collaboration task for building a shared consultation checklist, (4) an advocacy prompt to formulate one institutional or policy recommendation, and (5) the application of the Knowledge Valorisation Rubric to a real case. The video features [insert experts with affiliations: Art Bos, [affiliation]; Ute Schelhaas, [affiliation]; Eugene Sweeney, [affiliation]]. This material does not constitute legal advice. Questions on timing, protection and ownership depend on the facts of a case, applicable law, agreements and institutional policies, and should be assessed with the relevant institutional experts. Watch other Profession Deepening Modules: Responsible Data Sharing – Roles, Workflows, and IP–OS Alignment IP & OS — Managing Copyright and Licensing for Reuse Managing Intellectual Property & Open Science Strategies for innovative Valorisation Pathways