Foundations of Innovation and IP Management

Innovation and intellectual property are key drivers of value creation, commercialization, and competitive advantage across all sectors. This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of innovation and IP management, exploring how ideas are generated, developed, protected, and transformed into valuable products, services, and business opportunities. Participants will gain an understanding of innovation processes, creativity techniques, and the main forms of intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Designed for learners from all backgrounds, the course equips participants with the foundational knowledge needed to understand innovation, support commercialization, and make informed decisions regarding intellectual property.

Who should join?

This is designed for anyone interested in understanding innovation and intellectual property management, and their role in creating value, supporting commercialization, and enhancing competitive advantage, including:

• Students and researchers from all disciplines
• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Business professionals and innovation managers
• Public sector employees and anyone interested in innovation and IP

What you will gain

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify, evaluate, and manage innovations and intellectual property (IP) assets within organizational, research, and entrepreneurial environments.
• Explain the key concepts, principles, and types of innovation, and understand their role in driving organizational growth, competitiveness, and societal impact.
• Recognize and differentiate between the main forms of intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Assess the commercial potential of innovations and understand the pathways for their exploitation, commercialization, and market adoption.
• Understand the role of intellectual property in knowledge transfer, technology commercialization, and innovation ecosystems.
• Identify IP-related opportunities and risks and make informed decisions regarding the protection and use of intellectual assets.

How you will be assessed

Mentoring and support

You will have the opportunity to engage in class discussions and receive feedback. You can also consult the instructor outside the course hours on any topic related to the course. If you have a specific idea to pursue, the instructors will guide you accordingly. The instructor will adopt a personalized approach for each participant, recognizing their individual needs.

Register by 8 October 2026, using the online form.

More information

Please download the Course Handbook.

Course Instructors

Natalie Kafantari

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+357 22 397 518

When

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