Research Roadmap

Recently, valorization became a core activity for knowledge institutions and a performance indicator. It refers to the process of creating value from scientific knowledge by making it suitable and/or available for economical and/or social exploitation - whehter through translation into innovative products, services, processes, or new business ventures that benefit society and public health. Therefore, it is important to define the potential impact on society and public health when defining your research project.

Questions that you need to ask yourself:

• How can your research findings be applied in society?
• What is the potential social and/or economic impact of your research?

Innovation Exchange Amsterdam (IXA) helps researchers identify the best valorization strategy for their ideas, inventions, innovations, products, services, technologies, or (educational) materials. As the joint knowledge transfer office of Amsterdam UMC, VU, UvA and HvA, IXA provides broad support, including:

• Facilitating collaborations with industry and external partners;
• Guiding the commercialization of new inventions and research findings;
• Identifying funding sources;
• Protecting intellectual property;
• Drafting (collaboration) contracts;
• Supporting researchers in launching their own businesses.

If you have an idea or a potential innovation, one of the first steps is to talk to one of IXA’s business developers - even if your idea is still in the concept stage and plans are ‘under construction’. The earlier you involve them, the better, especially intellectual property protection is a factor. IXA's business developers specialize in various research fields and can inform you on best practices for making your research data and results public.

Since IXA is an integral part of Amsterdam's academic infrastructure, its services, facilities and expertise are free of charge. For more information visit their website.