Patents and other intellectual property (IP) data are often viewed through the lens of protection, freedom to operate or competitive intelligence. Yet they can also provide valuable insights for innovation policy. IP data can reveal where technological activity emerges, how knowledge flows between organisations and regions, which actors collaborate, and where opportunities or bottlenecks arise in the valorisation of research.
In this lunch talk, Thomas Geernaert (VARIO) explores how patent and IP data can be used as a policy tool rather than merely as a legal or business instrument. Drawing on recent VARIO advisory reports on breakthrough science and on knowledge valorisation, he will discuss how IP data can help identify technological strengths, emerging domains, collaboration patterns and strategic opportunities for Flanders.
This talk is intended for anyone interested in the intersection of intellectual property, innovation, technology strategy and public policy.
Thomas Geernaert is a Senior Policy Advisor at VARIO, the Flemish Advisory Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where he leads policy advice trajectories for the Flemish Government. His work focuses on innovation policy, knowledge valorisation, governance and the translation of strategic priorities into practical recommendations. He holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, specialising in photonics. Before joining VARIO in 2022, he led a photonics research team at VUB and contributed to fundamental, applied and industry-oriented research projects in Flemish and European programmes. His experience bridges scientific research and innovation policy in Flemish and European contexts.