Research
Research activities at CIP are focused on the paradigm shift from an industrial to a knowledge economy. CIP research investigates the structural transformation of industry, universities, and society through an interdisciplinary approach involving scholars and experts in management, economics, law, technology, sociology, and political science. A central theme is the role of intellectual assets, property, and capital in the formation of wealth and welfare in what we term the (control of) knowledge economy.
Our four, interrelated research programs include:
Competitive Advantage and Knowledge-Based Business
Modern knowledge-based business models are dependent on the control of knowledge, hence, intellectual property. The CIP research program on competitive advantage is focused on understanding the link between value and control in relation to a firm’s strategic intellectual assets and competitive positioning on both the technology and product market. Key areas of research include the development of models and tools concerning:
- Transformation from a material to an intellectual value chain
- Resources and capabilities in knowledge-based firms
- Competitive positioning on technology vs. product markets
Early Innovation and Public Research Organizations
As a core institution in the development and transfer of knowledge, the role of the university is also under transformation in the knowledge economy. CIP research into early innovation focuses on the development of the complete academic environment that combines education, research, and innovation. Key areas of research include:
- Utilizations models for academic research
- Capabilities and governance mechanisms for the systemic management of research results
- Knowledge management frameworks for the operational evaluation and management of research results
Open Innovation
One key characteristic of the knowledge economy is the increased co-development and transaction of intellectual property across organizational boundaries. In particular, as technology convergence grows, so does the need for open innovation and the formation of network-based markets that includes both collaboration and competition among the same actors in the value network. Key areas of research include:
- Standardization and telecommunications
- Open innovation platform design and development
- Technology transfer in developing countries
Intellectual Property Law and Innovation
Intellectual property from a traditional industrial perspective was predominantly designed to block others, but this is now changing. The CIP research program on intellectual property law and innovation explores the dynamic role of intellectual property as building blocks to design innovations, markets, and ventures in different commercial and financial contexts. Key areas of research include:
- IP in creative industries
- IP as a financial instrument
- IP at the interface of science