The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has joined a consortium of eight partners to support the Intellectual Property for Open Science (IP4OS) project. This initiative seeks to explore practical ways of aligning intellectual property (IP) management with the principles of open science (OS) to maximize the accessibility and impact of research outputs.
Libraries have long championed open access and open science, recognizing their potential to enhance equity and drive research productivity. Simultaneously, universities and research centers are working to ensure that research outputs translate into real-world impact, including new businesses and innovations.
These dual priorities have led to the development of IP management policies and strategies. However, questions remain about how these frameworks can balance the need for broad accessibility with the protection of intellectual property.
The IP4OS project addresses these challenges by:
• Examining synergies and conflicts between IP management and open science.
• Promoting good practices and ideas to harmonize these efforts.
• Leveraging libraries as key hubs for disseminating knowledge and fostering collaboration.
Led by the University of Kiel in Germany, the IP4OS consortium includes universities and organizations specializing in knowledge transfer, training, and communications. IFLA plays a pivotal role as the primary library partner, bringing decades of expertise in advocating for open access and supporting global library networks.
At the project’s kick-off meeting in Kiel, consortium members outlined key work packages and strategies. IFLA committed to drawing on its insights from the library field to ensure that libraries worldwide benefit from the project’s outcomes.
By participating in IP4OS, IFLA aims to:
• Equip libraries with tools and practices that support open science while respecting IP considerations.
• Foster collaboration between libraries, researchers, and universities to maximize the accessibility and utility of research outputs.
• Extend the project’s reach beyond Europe to benefit libraries and research institutions globally.
This partnership underscores IFLA’s ongoing dedication to advancing open science, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to knowledge across the world.
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