Following a comprehensive gap analysis conducted by Berytech of universities in Lebanon, it has become evident that the establishment of effective Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) is critically hindered by the absence of clear and dynamic intellectual property (IP) policies. To date, only few universities in Lebanon have established IP policies. The lack of well-defined IP frameworks not only complicates the management of innovations but also discourages researchers from pursuing commercialization efforts.
This is where the Lebanon Innovate program plays a pivotal role, as it has initiated the development of IP policies that are essential for fostering a supportive environment for TTOs. By addressing these policy gaps, Lebanon Innovate aims to create a foundation that will enhance the functionality of TTOs, ultimately facilitating the transition of academic research into market-ready products and contributing to economic growth.
Lebanon Innovate collaborated with eight universities in Lebanon to support their journey in creating or amending intellectual property (IP) policies. The universities selected for the program’s intervention included Saint Jospeh University (USJ), the Lebanese American University (LAU), Notre Dame University (NDU), Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik (USEK), Lebanese University (LU), Lebanese International University (LIU), Beirut Arab University (BAU), and University of Balamand (UoB). These universities were selected through an open call based on rigorous criteria, including the status of their current IP policy, institutional readiness and commitment, willingness to allocate resources for policy development, research and innovation capacity, and economic and social impact at both regional and local levels.
To ensure all aspects of IP policy creation were addressed, Lebanon Innovate worked with these universities across several phases. This included conducting needs assessments to address challenges specific to each institution, generating clear outcomes through one-on-one coaching with the program’s IP expert, and providing continuous follow-up for IP policy revisions and feedback. All policies were developed or amended in line with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) guidelines to maintain international standards.
One university that benefited from Lebanon Innovate’s support in adjusting its existing IP policy illustrated the positive impact on research and innovation expected from the revised IP policy: “The revised IP policy introduced clear ownership structures, fair royalty distribution models, and strong support for commercialization through a dedicated Technology Transfer Office (TTO). These changes incentivize faculty, staff, and students to innovate while also fostering entrepreneurship through better support for spin-offs and industry partnerships. This will undoubtedly pave the way for more impactful research and innovation at the university.”
Such testimonies showcase the importance of adopting IP policies not only to advance research but also to create a framework that enables a fairer distribution of ownership, ultimately strengthening trust between research and industry and creating a more positive impact.
By addressing the critical gaps in IP policies, Lebanon Innovate is laying the groundwork for a thriving research and innovation ecosystem in Lebanon. This initiative is a testament to the program’s commitment to empowering universities, fostering impactful research, and contributing to the country’s economic growth.