The transition from scholarly research to practical implementation often requires persistence, strategic planning, and support from specialized services, as it involves multiple stages of development, validation, and collaboration. While there are various pathways, one such option is through a licensing agreement. Georgia Taxiarchopoulou, a Business Developer from Erasmus Research Services (ERS), shares the success story behind the licensing process of the life crafting intervention (also known as the Goal Setting Intervention) - a positive psychology tool- developed through extensive research by Prof. Michaéla Schippers at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). This tool, now poised to make a significant impact on student retention, mental health and well-being, as well as close gender and ethnic minorities performance gaps, exemplifies the transformative potential of academic research when supported by professional support staff and strategic partnerships.
Background of the Project
About twelve years ago, Prof. Schippers began exploring various positive psychology tools aimed at improving student academic performance, particularly focusing on increasing study success and student retention rates. This intervention was designed to help students set, prioritise and achieve their goals in various aspects of life, thereby giving them a clear sense of purpose and direction in their studies and life. Initially, the project involved small-scale studies, followed by larger pilot studies. Over time, Prof. Schippers and her team were able to validate the tool's effectiveness across a large sample size, reaching approximately 60,000 students across the Netherlands and beyond.
The results showed significant improvements in student retention rates, and the tool also played a crucial role in closing gender and ethnic performance gaps among students. Prof. Schippers' vision aligns perfectly with this goal. As she says, "My goal would be that this life crafting intervention reaches millions of people as a scalable and effective way potentially transforming people's lives. This could have a positive ripple effect on society as a whole."
Commercialization Process
Despite the tool's proven benefits, it took several years before licensing was considered. The transition from a research-based tool to a market-ready product involved numerous steps and collaborations. Georgia explained, “The process began with the submission of an Innovation Disclosure Form (IDF), a document that describes the innovation, the intellectual property of the invention and research, its target applications, collaborators, and the desired support for commercialization. This form, submitted to ERS, paved the way for exploring various pathways, including partnerships and licensing opportunities.”
Identifying the Right Partners
Partner identification was a crucial part of the process. Multiple potential collaborators, both from within and outside the academic community, were engaged. The goal was to find a partner who not only saw the commercial potential of the tool but also aligned with EUR’s values of ethical use and societal impact. After thorough discussions and evaluations, SSPV Capital, an investment firm based in Greece, emerged as the ideal partner. The firm’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, coupled with their strategic vision and commercialization plan for the tool, made them a fitting choice.
Key Aspects of the Licensing Agreement
Once SSPV Capital was identified as the partner, the focus shifted to the details of the licensing agreement. This phase involved intricate negotiations to ensure that the tool would be used effectively and ethically. Key aspects included the duration, territory, and field of use, as well as ensuring that EUR is free to continue its use for research and teaching while allowing SSPV to implement the tool as a product or service. “One significant clause was the anti-shelving provision, which ensured that SSPV would actively use the tool within a specified timeframe, preventing it from lying dormant,” Georgia noted. The agreement also emphasized maintaining RSM and EUR’s reputation and continuing collaborative research.
The licensing agreement was signed on March 12, 2024. Reflecting on this milestone, Arwin van Buuren, Strategic Dean of Impact and Engagement, remarked, "It's far from easy to valorize this kind of knowledge, wonderful that it has now succeeded. That will undoubtedly help to interest other scientists in exploring this path as well. In my opinion, we have a lot of knowledge that has the potential to be suitable for this!"
Supporting the Transition Phase
To ensure a smooth transition from research to market, EUR committed to supporting the new venture, named GoalStart, during its initial phase. This involves in-kind contributions, such as dedicating personnel to help with transferring all know-how from the research phase for use in the commercialization process. August Papadopoulos, Director of the Engagement at RSM and a key figure in the original research team, played a pivotal role in the engagement with external stakeholders. His expertise and knowledge about users and other stakeholders are instrumental in facilitating the tool's successful market entry and expanding its reach.
Supporting Innovation: Financial Incentives for Researchers
EUR supports and incentivizes researchers during the valorization of their innovations, as described in the Impact and Innovation Regulation. This is further exemplified by the fact that the first €50,000 in revenue will be distributed among the co-inventors. Above the €50.000 and until 1M, the revenue sharing follows the one third model: one third to the inventor(s), one third to EUR and one third to the research and other groups designed by the Dean. This model not only incentivizes researchers but also supports further departmental research and innovation continuation.
However, EUR’s primary goal always remains the creation of positive societal impact. By increasing student retention rates and aiding students from diverse backgrounds in achieving their academic goals, the Goal Setting Intervention tool exemplifies how academic research can drive positive societal change. August emphasized, “when students succeed, societies prosper.”
Supporting Researchers Every Step of the Way
While a licensing agreement was the best path to societal impact for the Goal Setting Intervention tool, it’s not the only way forward. EUR’s professional services staff can help assess the most appropriate option. From conducting thorough stakeholder mapping, impact mapping, or market research to identify potential applications and users for new knowledge driven innovations, to performing IP checks and legal support, ERS helps researchers develop comprehensive impact strategies. “This support can help researchers understand the societal landscape and the potential of their inventions,” Georgia said.
EUR provides ongoing support even after the initial licensing agreement is signed. “We continue to support researchers with their research continuation as well as the societal partners on the successful implementation of the innovation in the market to ensure positive impact,” Georgia remarked. This commitment to long-term success ensures that the benefits of the research are fully realized.
Advice for Researchers
For researchers at EUR, the success of the Goal Setting Intervention tool underscores the importance of seeking professional support early in the research process. Engaging with EUR’s professional services can help in expanding the research scope, identifying new collaboration opportunities, and developing a clear pathway to impact. This support can open up various pathways for development and commercialization, ensuring that innovative tools and technologies can reach their full potential and make a significant impact on society. Researchers are encouraged to leverage the resources available at EUR to transform their academic endeavors into real-world solutions that benefit society at large. Georgia adds, “we hope that the example of successful valorisation of the Goal Setting Intervention will inspire researchers to further explore research outcomes and identify possible routes to commercialisation with professional services supporting them along the journey.” This support is provided free of charge, emphasizing EUR’s commitment to fostering impactful research.
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For more information contact Georgia Taxiarchopoulou at georgia.tax@eur.nl