Innovation Minister: VARIO Advisory Report on Patents implemented in three concrete measures

The Flemish Government has taken three concrete measures based on the VARIO advisory report on patents. This was the response from the Flemish Minister of Innovation to questions in the Flemish Parliament. Firstly, the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) has been structurally reinforced with 5 million euros to achieve more applied research that ultimately should be valorized with patents. Additionally, the agreement between imec and VIB has been adjusted to focus not only on quantity (the number of patents to be realized annually) but also to monitor impact created though research in the long term. Thirdly, VLAIO has taken steps to better support small enterprises in research and development, as well as in applying for patents and intellectual property. "I believe that, in this regard, we have clearly embarked on the path to elevate research and development to a high level. That’s where we are. The big challenge is to maintain that level. Regarding our SME-landscape, our small businesses, I still see the significant challenge of further improving valorization to that level in the future," stated the minister.