Reflections from the European IP Helpdesk Annual Stakeholder Event in Brussels
End of January, the European IP Helpdesk Annual Stakeholder Event in Brussels brought together key actors in research, policy, impact investment, and innovation to explore how intellectual property (IP) can drive societal impact. The event was co-organized by RISE’s two flagship projects—the European IP Helpdesk and the Impact Licensing Initiative—and provided a platform for discussions on the role of IP in supporting innovation that benefits both society and the economy.
The event followed the European IP Helpdesk Ambassador Winter Summit 2025, where around 20 IP ambassadors exchanged insights on IP practices, network collaboration, and upcoming activities. Many of them also participated in the Stakeholder Event, further enriching discussions on IP’s role in innovation ecosystems.
The Role of Impact Investment
The Stakeholder Event began with a keynote address that introduced the importance of impact initiatives, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change. The European Commission has long recognized the importance of impact in research and innovation, embedding it as a key criterion in EU framework programs.
A policy expert from the European Commission’s DG RTD emphasized that bringing different actors together is essential in shaping effective innovation ecosystems. This perspective was reflected throughout the discussions, particularly in conversations on how IP and licensing strategies can help ensure real-world impact.
Bridging Innovation and Investment
A key panel discussion, Bridging Innovation and Impact Investment: Opportunities for IP-Driven Ventures, explored the connection between intellectual property, financing models, and data in enabling impact-driven business models. Among the key points raised:
- IP plays a role in ensuring that research results are developed and used in ways that align commercial opportunities with societal needs.
- Financing models for impact investment need to support long-term societal benefits rather than focusing only on short-term returns.
- Data stewardship is becoming increasingly important for measuring impact and guiding investment decisions.
Insights from Interactive Group Discussions
In the afternoon, participants engaged in group discussions on impact licensing and investment strategies, addressing key challenges and solutions:
- Aligning impact licensing with economic and societal objectives.
- Financial models that best support impact-driven innovation.
- Strengthening collaboration between policymakers, investors, and researchers.
- Using licensing to scale impactful technologies.
- Positioning IP to attract impact-focused investors.
Moderators shared key insights, reinforcing the importance of structured IP strategies, transparent investment processes, and data-driven approaches.
Continuing the Conversation
The event reinforced the growing recognition that impact-driven innovation requires collaboration, strategic IP management, and financial models that align economic and societal priorities.
Through the European IP Helpdesk and the Impact Licensing Initiative, RISE is committed to ensuring that IP serves as a tool for responsible and sustainable innovation, particularly in Widening countries, where strengthening innovation ecosystems can help bridge gaps in research, investment, and economic growth. Expanding access to IP knowledge and fostering collaboration in these regions remains a key priority in advancing impact-driven innovation across Europe.
We appreciate the contributions of all speakers, moderators, and participants and look forward to continuing these discussions.
