Glasgow University is to offer up the rights to its groundbreaking research projects by allowing firms to use its intellectual property for free.
It claims the move – which claims is a first in the UK – will help the “advancement” of knowledge and give companies and edge in research.
Bosses also hope it will help cement relations between business and the institution.
Currently firms looking to use IP work have to go through a long process to get permission.
Now a dedicated website – ‘Easy Access IP’ – will list cutting edge innovation and patents to be made immediately and directly available to companies and individuals who can make best use of the research.
University of Glasgow Principal Anton Muscatelli said: “One of the core missions of the University is the creation, advancement and sharing of knowledge and we aim to transfer as much IP into commercial use as we can, to the benefit of our partners, the community and the economy.
“Our objective is to demonstrate the relevance, importance and impact of Glasgow’s research and to help UK companies maximise their competitive edge internationally.”
The free IP from was hoped to be particularly attractive to small and medium-sized businesses leading to further collaboration with companies and long-term industry partnerships.
Former ‘dragon’ on the BBC TV series Dragon’s Den, Doug Richard, said he was an enthusiastic supporter of the move.
He said: “Providing easy access to University IP will increasingly be one of the key drivers that helps British business keep pace with global competitors.
“I welcome this bold move by Glasgow University which encourages greater and, crucially, quicker cooperation between research and industry to give companies who make use of it the competitive edge.“
Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board added: “Technology licensing in the UK can sometimes be a laborious process which can inhibit the sharing of IP between universities and businesses.
“Glasgow University’s Easy Access IP initiative will make it easier for companies to make use of innovative research and technology for the benefit of all.
“The move will help build better and lasting relationships between research and enterprise which will have long-term leading to benefits for everyone involved.”
Easy Access IP webpage is available at www.glasgow.ac.uk/technology
