The IPR4SC Final Conference – IP in Motion: Turning Ideas into Impact, organised by Fakulteta Novo mesto FIŠ, took place in Ljubljana and brought together experts, entrepreneurs, educators and policy makers to explore the intersection of intellectual property rights (IPR), sustainability and digital transformation. As an important milestone of the IPR4SC (Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity) project, the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange, discussion of best practises and the development of future strategies.
Since the launch of the project, the IPR4SC consortium has been dedicated to developing innovative tools, methods and training programmes that combine IPR, digital skills and the circular economy. The conference served as a culmination of these efforts by presenting key findings, discussing new challenges and setting the course for future initiatives.
The main highlights of the conference:
- “Mythbusting the Concept of IPR” – A thought-provoking roundtable that challenged common misconceptions about intellectual property and its role in innovation and sparked exciting debates among experts.
- “Redefining Education: IPR for a Sustainable and Circular Future” – A deep dive into how IPR can support sustainability-focused education and prepare future professionals for the digital and circular economy.
- “IPR and Entrepreneurship: Unlocking New Pathways to Sustainable Innovation” – A discussion on how companies and start-ups can use intellectual property to drive sustainable business models, foster creativity, and protect their innovations.
- “IP- Monitor: A One-Stop Tool for IPR Excellence” – A presentation of AI-powered tools designed to streamline IPR management and help companies navigate the complexities of protecting intellectual property in an evolving technological landscape.
In addition to that, the conference emphasised the importance of collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and the practical application of IPR in the real world. It reminded us that intellectual property is not just a legal framework, but a catalyst for innovation, economic growth and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Collaboration & Future Initiatives
As the IPR4SC project moves towards its final phase, the focus remains on utilising the lessons learnt, refining the educational tools and ensuring the long-term impact of the project outcomes. However, this is just the beginning. The discussions and connections made at the conference have paved the way for future collaborations, joint research initiatives and expanded educational programmes that will benefit businesses, academics and policy makers alike.
We look forward to strengthening partnerships, exploring new networking opportunities and fostering further collaboration beyond the project’s official timeline. The IPR4SC community aims to build on the momentum of this event and make a lasting impact on the way intellectual property is taught, applied and utilised to promote innovation and sustainability across Europe.
