Various stakeholders contribute in one way or another to the generation and dissemination of innovations, inventions and research findings or teaching materials. Stakeholders each have their own interests and expectations, which are not always fully aligned. In order to obtain their commitment and endorsement, an IP policy should preferably be drafted together with the main stakeholders, including:
• universities and research institutions
• employees of these institutions (including researchers, technicians and administrative staff);
• inventors’ research groups and departments;
• graduate and postgraduate students;
• postgraduate and postdoctoral fellows;
• visiting researchers;
• sponsors and industry collaborators;
• national patent offices;
• funding agencies;
• industry; and
• Industry sector
• government.