This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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National Intellectual Assets Centre
03/12/2003
A new National Intellectual Assets Centre in Glasgow has been set up to help Scottish firms protect and exploit business knowledge and expertise.
Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald said the centre would help to build Scotland's competitiveness in a modern knowledge economy.
Intellectual Assets (IA) are the intangible and often highly valuable assets which can include brands, employee know-how, trade secrets and technical information.
IA also covers Intellectual Property (IP), those assets such as patents and trademarks which are formally protected by statute law.
The new facility will bring together a range of expertise to promote awareness of the importance of IA and provide direction and advice on their identification, protection and exploitation.
Mr Macdonald said:
"The Executive's top priority is growing the economy, and we aim to work with business to achieve this.
"One of the ways in which Scottish companies can gain and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace is through developing an awareness of the business benefits of proper management of their Intellectual Assets.
"The NIAC will support Scottish businesses in doing just that, by helping them to recognise, protect and capitalise on those very assets which can provide them with this leading-edge.
"Whilst often associated with technological innovation and hi-tech businesses, the reality is that Intellectual Assets affect all sectors, sizes and types of organisation. New and improved products and services of all types, new markets, new production techniques and improved supply and distribution channels all involve the ownership, control and management of IA.
"I am very pleased to announce that £3 million has been transferred to this initiative to fund the new Centre over the next three years."
The Centre will be funded by the Executive and operated by Scottish Intellectual Asset Management Ltd, a company formed by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Dr Gordon McConnachie - an international expert in the field of intellectual assets management - has been appointed company Chairman and the company's Board of Directors will include representatives from the business community, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Patent Office, and Universities Scotland.
Working closely with the enterprise network, private sector intermediaries and the Executive, the National Intellectual Asset Centre aims to:
Raise awareness and understanding of Intellectual Assets (IA) amongst Scottish businesses and other organisations, enterprise agencies and private sector intermediaries through events, seminars, training and information provision.
- Enable Scottish businesses to manage and exploit the untapped potential of their IA for competitive advantage.
- Encourage the development of a strong private sector-led supply of IA management services
- Provide signposting for companies seeking IA management services.
- Develop Scotland's international profile as a leading exponent of IA management and exploitation.
The new centre's premises will be in Sky Park west of Glasgow city centre. Over the next few months the facility will prepare products and services and should be fully operational by early next financial year.