Expert group report on strategic use and adaptation of intellectual property rights systems in information and communications technologies-based research

The rapid changes in technologies that are used for R&D have created new opportunities and needs for strategic management of IPRs and knowledge, especially when used in a collaborative context. The use of new ICT technologies is fundamentally altering the way R&D is done. This is leading to a new research and innovation paradigm, which we will simply refer to as "e-Research". As with contemporary R&D in general, knowledge flows and usage are increasingly influenced by the strategic use of IPR. ICTs, however, could also be used in conjunction with IPRs to privatise results of "e-Research" more efficiently. ICTs could also be used more efficiently for public dissemination. To optimise the use and possibilities of this new research paradigm, the expert group makes legal, policymaking and management recommendations.