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DAISSy-HOU at the forefront of Sustainable Innovation by completing the IPR4SC successfully

IPR4SC-logoThe DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) has been implementing with great success, the “Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity – (IPR4SC)” European project, as the Greek partner. The project aims to bridge the skills gap in Intellectual Property (IP) management, a critical component for the green and digital transformation shaping Europe’s economic future. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing “IP for Business” skills, enriched with knowledge about sustainability, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, empowering a new generation of inventors and entrepreneurs to thrive within a circular economy.

As a member of the IPR4SC consortium, i.e. a multidimensional European partnership of Universities, Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, and technology organizations, the DAISSy-HOU made a pivotal contribution to all project deliverables. Particularly, the Research Group played a vital  role in the design and implementation of the project’s innovative educational program, which consists of three groundbreaking learning course, as follows:

  • IPR4Data, a course integrating intellectual property and open data usage in the context of green business.
  • I2P4Green, which helps learners transform innovation into sustainable economic value by securing intellectual property rights.
  • Co-Design Jam, an innovative, collaborative educational process based on real-world business model challenges.

These courses were open to access and free of charge and targeted both higher education and VET audiences.

Additionally, and as part of the IPR4SC project implementation, DAISSy-HOU contributed to the development of the IP Monitor, an innovative tool aggregating over 500 databases, manuals, and platforms related to intellectual property, focusing on sustainability-related inventions. The tool provides decision-making support, practical examples, and access to national IP attorney registries, thereby enhancing the accessibility and application of relevant knowledge.

Undoubtedly, the project’s final conference entitled “IP in Motion” marked the successful completion conclusion of IPR4SC. The event took place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, attracting the interest of more than 100 experts and professionals from across Europe. The conference featured an in-depth presentation of the project’s content and valuable outputs, and in parallel it highlighted the power of education as a catalyst for achieving Europe’s green and digital transition.

The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU was represented at the conference by Professor Christos Pierrakeas, Director of Administration and Human Resources at DAISSy-HOU, and Dr. Dimitrios Dimopoulos, Researcher at the University of Ioannina and DAISSy-HOU. Both representatives participated actively in the sessions, by sharing insights and contributing to discussions on the project’s overall impact and the capitalization of its results.

It is a fact that DAISSy-HOU is proud to have been part of the IPR4SC initiative, contributing its expertise to support Europe’s transition toward a smarter and more circular innovation-driven economy.

The IPR4SC is a three-year project, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium of ten (10) partners from six (6) European countries (Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia) and brings together Universities and organizations from across Europe. DAISSY-HOU, the Greek partner, aimed primarely and achieved to developing educational programs, so as to bridge intellectual property rights management with sustainable entrepreneurship practices.

For more information on the IPR4SC project, and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU encourages Collaborative Innovation through the Co-Design Jam course series

logo-codesignjamAn exciting and highly interactive learning experience was offered by the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), within the framework of the “Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity – (IPR4SC)” European project, which is implemented by the Research Group as the Greek partner.

This refers to the Co-Design Jam course series, an intensive innovation “sprint”-type workshop that enabled learners to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, design business ideas with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy, and at the same time become familiar with the way to integrate Intellectual Property (IP) tools into all stages of the creative process.

It is a fact that the Co-Design Jam was not a typical educational activity, as participants had the opportunity to:

  • Apply design thinking methodologies to issues of sustainability and circularity.
  • Co-develop, present, and optimize green business ideas.
  • Understand how to strategically leverage IP tools (such as trademarks, patents, and design rights) to protect and scale their innovations.
  • Use the IP Monitor, a digital tool developed by the IPR4SC project, to identify IP-related issues and opportunities already at the design stage.

It is noteworthy that the Co-Design Jam brought together learners from diverse educational and knowledge backgrounds—from entrepreneurship and engineering to the arts and environmental studies. Its interactive nature enhanced collaborative learning, critical thinking, and rapid idea generation.

Under the guidance of distinguished facilitators from the transnational partners of the IPR4SC project, including DAISSy-HOU, the teams developed and presented their proposals to address real-world problems of modern economic activity. As a result, participants gained valuable technical knowledge, while also cultivating key soft skills such as teamwork, creativity, and communication, in a setting that bridged sustainable entrepreneurship and intellectual property.

Moreover, as the pilot cycle of the Co-Design Jam has been concluded, the course emerged as a model of active and experiential learning, with the potential to transform the way intellectual property and sustainability are taught in higher and professional education across Europe.

It is noteworthy, that the implementation of the IPR4SC European project, included a comprehensive educational program, consisting of Co-Design Jam, I2P4Green and IPR4Data courses, aiming at cultivating IP skills for businesses, enriched with green, digital, and entrepreneurial competencies.

This innovative educational experience was fully aligned with the fundamental goal of the IPR4SC project: to equip the new generation of entrepreneurs and inventors in Europe with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital, circular, and sustainable economy.

The IPR4SC is a three-year project, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium of ten (10) partners from six (6) European countries (Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia) and brings together Universities and organizations from across Europe. DAISSY-HOU,  the Greek partner, aimed primarely and achieved to develop educational programs so as to bridge intellectual property rights management with sustainable entrepreneurship practices.

For more information on the IPR4SC project, and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU enhances Education in Green Innovation through the IPR4SC project

logo-l2p4greenWith great success, the course series entitled “Innovation and Intellectual Property for Green – I2P4Green” was conducted and completed by the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). It served as an innovative educational tool within the framework of the “Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity – (IPR4SC)” European project, currently undergoing by DAISSy-HOU as the Greek partner.

By leveraging effective strategies for securing Intellectual Property (IP), I2P4Green aimed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge to transform green innovations into protected, market-ready products and services.

Specifically, I2P4Green guided learners through the process of turning eco-conscious ideas into sustainable businesses, using intellectual property tools as a strategic lever for growth. The course addressed a critical gap by linking IP education with sustainability, offering a unique learning framework that combines ecological thinking with innovation protection.

I2P4Green was targeted at students, young entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals active in the green economy, ecological design, and sustainable business development. Notably, the course was offered free of charge, in a flexible online format, utilizing Open Educational Resources (OERs), thereby enabling learners from across Europe to access innovative educational material and apply IP principles to real-world environmental challenges.

It is worth highlighting that the I2P4Green course was developed through a partnership of Universities, innovation bodies, and vocational and technical education providers, where DAISSy-HOU played a key role in the successful development and dissemination of the educational content, ensuring both scientific validity and accessibility for participants from diverse educational backgrounds.

It is noteworthy, that the implementation of the IPR4SC European project, included a comprehensive educational program, consisting of I2P4Green, IPR4Data, and Co-Design Jam courses. Each educational action contributes uniquely, to equipping Europe’s innovators with the tools needed so as to excel in digital, green, and circular economic models.

In this light, the IPR4SC project strengthens the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and vocational training providers to approach intellectual property from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a strong emphasis on digital, green, and entrepreneurial skills.

The IPR4SC is a three-year project, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium of ten (10) partners from six (6) European countries (Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia) and brings together Universities and organizations from across Europe. DAISSY-HOU,  the Greek partner, aims primarely at developing educational programs so as to bridge intellectual property rights management with sustainable entrepreneurship practices.

For more information on the IPR4SC project, and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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DAISSy-HOU Leads the Way in Patent Analysis Education through the IPR4SC Project

logo-ipr4dataThe DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) successfully organized a series of courses under the theme IPR4Data, as part of the “Developing Skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for Sustainability and Circularity – (IPR4SC)“ European project, currently undergoing by DAISSy-HOU as the Greek partner. The IPR4Data is a comprehensive educational  course aiming at equiping the participants with essential skills in patent analysis, thereby promoting innovation and supporting sustainable economic development.

Specifically, the IPR4Data course was carefully designed to provide an in-depth understanding of how to search for patents, formulate queries, manage data, and interpret results. In this context, trainees participated in a structured curriculum that combined theory and practice, enhancing their ability to apply what they learned in real-world settings.

Indeed, in today’s constantly evolving technological landscape, the ability to navigate and analyze patent information is critical. Therefore, the IPR4Data course addressed this need by offering professionals, students, and researchers meaningful skills for conducting thorough analyses. This training was particularly valuable for individuals working in law firms, corporate R&D departments, and research institutions seeking to strengthen their expertise in intellectual property rights management.

The IPR4Data course series is part of the broader educational program of IPR4SC, which also includes the I2P4Green and Co-Design Jam courses. It represents a significant milestone of the IPR4SC project and enhances the expertise of DAISSy-HOU in this field. The Research Group remains committed to providing high-quality education and training in areas critical to economic growth and sustainability. At the same time, DAISSy-HOU consistently focuses on enhancing citizens’ skills to meet challenges related to intellectual property and innovation, thereby contributing significantly to shaping a highly skilled workforce capable of leveraging patent information for innovation and sustainability.

The IPR4SC is a three-year project, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. It is implemented by a consortium of ten (10) partners from six (6) European countries (Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia) and brings together Universities and organizations from across Europe. DAISSY-HOU,  the Greek partner, aims primarely at developing educational programs so as to bridge intellectual property rights management with sustainable entrepreneurship practices.

For more information on the IPR4SC project, and other activities of DAISSy-HOU:

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IPR4SC Project Description

IPRSC-eu-logoTitle: Developing skills in Intellectual Property Rights Open Data for sustainability and circularity

Acronym: IPR4SC

Programme: Erasmus+

Project Number: 101056129 — IPR4SC — ERASMUS-EDU-2021-PI-ALL-INNO

Start – End Date: 01/06/2022 – 31/05/2025

Duration: 36 months

Action: ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants

Funding: Agency European Education and Culture Executive Agency

Total Project Funding €1.096.804,00

Project Homepage: https://www.ipr4sc.eu/

Status: Ongoing

Can IPR protection processes apply effectively, be facilitated and co-evolve within the uprising Open Resources, Circular and Sustainable ecosystems’ environment? What does it take to make it so?

The IPR4SC project targets the lack of intellectual property informatics and management skills, the so called ‘IP for business’ skills that are enriched with green, digital and entrepreneurial attributes. Their lack impose a significant barrier to the successful engagement of new, digitally empowered transitions towards increased sustainability and circularity, green and accelerated economic growth achievement. The general aim of the project is to increase the innovation capacity of EU inventors being trained in HE and VET organizations, in designing and implementing sustainable and circular economy businesses by boosting their ‘IP for business’ skills.

The project will develop educational offerings to be delivered by the HEI and VET providers that are adapted to the various target groups, foster the utilization of open resources, and facilitate the process of putting ‘IP for business’ into practice.

IPR4SC is focused on the following target groups: HEIs and technology transfer offices, spin-outs, and students from technical, natural and business sciences; VETs and their learners, as well as SMEs – especially start-ups. Other stakeholders, such as patent offices, IP lawyers, large companies and policymakers are also targeted.

The invoked partners will deliver a detailed IP for business skills needs analysis, develop an IT tool (IPR Monitor) as a navigating, decision-tree-based online tool, design and deliver the Innovation and Intellectual Property for Green (I2P) for Green course and modules (IP for green skills), the Simulation lab (IP for digital skills), and the innovative format of an IP Co-design Jam (strengthening entrepreneurial skills). The project is co-developed and co-delivered by a partnership of 4 universities, 2 technology & innovation providers, 2 VET providers, and 2 partners supporting the consortium by providing professional services in project management and dissemination. A number of associated partners, including patent offices and other organisations are also involved.

Project Outcomes

The project aims to increase the innovation capacity of EU inventors, trained in HE and VET organizations, in designing and implementing sustainable and circular economy businesses by boosting IP for business skills.

During IPR4SC a number of educational offerings that are adapted to the various target groups will be developed, to be delivered by the HEI and VET providers, through the use of open resources, supporting and putting IP for business into practice.

Instruments:

  • IPR Monitoring report
  • Innovation and IP for Green (I2P) for Green Toolkit
  • I2P for Green course and module
  • Facilitator Handbooks for implementing IPR Simulation Labs for digital skills and IP Co-Design Jam methodology, training materials and workshops (IP for Entrepreneurship)

Partners

Beneficiaries

  1. FAKULTETA ZA INFORMACIJSKE STUDIJE V NOVEM MESTU Slovenia
  2. NORD UNIVERSITET NO
  3. VISOKO UCILISTE ALGEBRA HR
  4. LINK CAMPUS UNIVERSITY IT
  5. VALUEDO SRL IT
  6. PANNON GAZDASAGI HALOZAT EGYESULET HU
  7. LOGIKA zaloznisko podjetje d.o.o. SI
  8. ERRE QUADRO SOCIETA A RESPONSABILITA LIMITATA IT
  9. IZOBRAZEVALNI CENTER GEOSS DOO SI
  10. HELLENIC OPEN UNIVERSITY EL

Associates

  1. Patentstyret NO
  2. DRZAVNI ZAVOD ZA INTELEKTUALNO VLASNISTVO HR
  3. Entrepreneurial Rise z.b.o. SI
  4. RAZVOJNI CENTER SRCA SLOVENIJE DOO SI
  5. PANEPISTIMIO PATRON EL
  6. ZAVOD NEFIKS – INSTITUT ZA PROMOCIJO IN BELEZENJE NEFORMALNO PRIDOBLJENEGA ZNANJA SI
  7. BUGNION SPA IT
  8. ANSALDO ENERGIA SPA IT

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.