Academic CentreWith the aim of promoting innovation processes at the University of Latvia (UL), the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTO) was established on February 2, 2023. Over the past year, KTO has developed into a qualified and cohesive team that operates in all stages of the innovation process. Today, we can briefly review the achievements.
Collaboration between a broader community of UL researchers and external partners interested in the results is critically important for conducting innovative research in Latvia. To facilitate this, KTO has created a new publicly accessible database of UL researchers' competencies covering various scientific disciplines. The database is continuously updated. Researchers regularly receive information about public tenders that align with UL research specifications, encouraging them to evaluate their potential participation.
The knowledge generated from research is transferred to external partners for practical use or further elevation of the achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL). In both cases, it is essential to identify, register, and protect the intellectual property (IP) created by UL researchers before knowledge transfer. For this purpose, KTO manages all types of IP. The application development process has been made more researcher-friendly, resulting in a threefold increase in patent applications submitted to KTO in 2023 compared to 2022. In addition to patent applications, KTO proactively introduces certified electronic registration for intellectual property, offering new opportunities for researchers in humanities and social sciences. To valorize IP objects, an exclusive IP license auction system within MS Teams has been developed and implemented.
To provide researchers and doctoral students with knowledge of IP policy and practice, KTO has organized a series of workshops on IP object identification and management, license auctions and sales, and UL processes and procedures.
To inform external partners about the knowledge generated from innovative research, its practical applications, and transfer regulations, KTO has initiated a dialogue and established collaboration channels with major business organizations. Agreements with the Latvian Employers' Confederation and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry involve joint innovative research, collaboration in valorizing research results, and advocating for regulatory changes.
A dedicated website for Collaboration Applications has been created, where any external partner can initiate collaboration with UL, develop innovative research, and/or address problem-solving. The functionality of the website has expanded beyond the initial plan, as we receive various proposals, including participation in international scientific projects, applications for the ERASMUS program, etc.
KTO continues to expand the circle of external partners, including collaboration with the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, the Latvian Startup Association Startin.lv, and major industry associations. Our plans include relieving academic institutions of non-characteristic license agreement administration functions, creating new workshop series on various practical innovation aspects. We will continue the regular update of the competency database, work on moral and material incentives for researchers to engage in innovative research.
