LERU raises concerns on EIC Inventors

LERU has raised concerns on the EIC Inventors with the European Commission. These EIC Inventors receive ‘indefinite access rights for exploitation purposes’ at non-profit legal entities’, as is stated in the EIC specific part of the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement (see link, page 124). LERU recognises and supports the idea behind the EIC inventors as a way to stimulate the better exploitation of research results. However, we fear that the effect of the provisions as they are currently phrased, will be counterproductive and will lead to less rather than more valorisation, given the uncertainty they cause. Also, for most universities that have well-established technology-transfer activities or offices, this scheme is problematic. It conflicts with institution’s internal regulations on handling intellectual property or exploiting research results in general.

There is the possibility to ask for an exemption, but this needs to be done on a case by case basis. For institutions with several EIC projects, that would lead to a considerable increase of red-tape. That in itself needs to be avoided, but it may also considerably decrease the attractiveness of the EIC pathfinder scheme and Transition Activities.

LERU is convinced that universities should be stimulated to exploit research results. Potential income from those results can support investments and activities for which universities otherwise have little to no funding. Also, it strengthens universities’ autonomy and supports the building of a wider innovation-ecosystem in the region. Therefore, LERU underlines that those non-profit organisations that already have invested in setting up a system or office to exploit research results, should be allowed to use this for EIC pathfinder projects and Transition Activities as well.

To address the concerns voiced by our member universities, while at the same time keep the principle of EIC inventors where needed, LERU proposes that those non-profit organisations that already have a support system in place for the exploitation of research results, should get a permanent exemption from the EIC Inventors. We hope the European Commission will take our concerns seriously and look forward to a potential dialogue on the topic.