Could you briefly describe your core expertise and field of activity within the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)? What are key services you offer to your clients?
The main focus of my work is the identification, legal protection and commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) generated from research. I use the knowledge and the experience gained through my work to support EEN clients, bolster collaboration between researchers, various institutions and the industry, and answer the questions about IP rights, technology transfer, licensing, commercialisation, just to name a few.
What does it mean to you to be a European IP Helpdesk Ambassador? And what do you like most about it?
Being a part of such a significant initiative adds value to my work. It gives me access to a source of valuable information, provides me with additional tools and resources, and allows me to exchange best practice knowledge, learn about the experiences of my peers, and stay abreast of the latest IP-related developments.
How would you describe the internal interaction and cooperation with your Enterprise Europe Network colleagues?
Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals with other Ambassadors, allows me to gain new insights that I may not have otherwise thought of, and in combination with the gained knowledge, significantly improves the quality of support I provide to others.
In your opinion, what are current “hot” topics and questions related to IP in your region/country?
Due to the intensification of technology transfer in Serbia and the increase in the number of spinoffs and startups, the protection and commercialisation of university-generated IP, especially patents, is one of the “hot” topics in the university-industry relationships. For ICT startups and SMEs, the issue of copyright protection and infringement is certainly interesting, along with the IP valuation, which is relevant to all businesses. Also, IP and IP-related issues concerning blockchain technologies are additional buzz topics as well as IP in EU-funded projects.
What are major challenges SMEs face with regard to IP? And what kind of support is needed, you think?
Generally, SMEs are still learning about the value of this type of intangible assets and its potential to contribute to the overall business success. Unfortunately, a lack of strategic understanding of IP or awareness about background IP and IP protection results in missed opportunities for numerous SMEs.
Even though a great effort to raise awareness and support researchers and SMEs with regard to IP-related matters has been made at the European level, we still have a long way to go. Strong support with IP identification, allocation of the IP to different products, technologies or services as well as valuation of the assessed IP is needed.
Phone: +381 112622953
Email: tamara.colic@rect.bg.ac.rs