Closer ties CNRS is already building on this groundwork in its relations with large industrial companies. ‘We are signing framework agreements defi- ning how we cooperate on research, and establishing rules concer- ning both intellectual property and the use of research results,’ says Pierre Gohar. ‘However, while we previously tended to focus on legal issues, ASIs put science first: the framework agreement must serve a common scientific strategy. We have tested this approach with some large accounts, and it was favorably received.’ ASIs also help rein- force existing ties between CNRS and small-to-medium-size compa- nies (SMEs), which have always been close. A CNRS survey reveals that, between 2006 and 2011, the proportion of research contracts with SMEs rose from 25% to 45% in number and from 15% to 30% in amount. The launch of the PR2 program (see previous page) in 2011 should further accelerate this trend. New parties to innovation The second strategic focus concerns CNRS’s involvement along- side new parties in research and innovation, starting with the five research alliances of which the organization is a founding member. These inter-organization coordination bodies seek to improve the position of French research through a concerted program between the various actors, and to develop cooperation and partnership ini- tiatives. ‘Aviesan was the first alliance, and it is the most advanced in technology transfer,’ says Pierre Roy, Deputy Director of DIRE, in charge of Networks and Ecosystems. A ‘single agent charter’ was concluded in 2011 between all members. It defines the rules gover- ning intellectual property resulting from scientific research carried out jointly by the partners, as well as the procedures for designating the agents responsible for liaising with industry to accelerate the application of these results.’ CNRS also helped develop a framework agreement between Aviesan and Sanofi, which will be concluded in 2012. Technology transfer and gestation Each alliance must also produce a Theme-based Technology Transfer Consortium (CVT), partly financed by the Investments for the Future program, to complement its action through technology transfer. ‘Member organizations offer high value-added technology transfer services such as strategic analysis, intellectual property consulting, Mathias Fink, Esther Duflo and François PierrotThe first laureates of the CNRS Medal of Innovation: and training,’ adds Pierre Roy. In 2011, CNRS helped set up CVTs for all its alliances. CNRS is also involved in setting up IRT and IEED projects as part Rewarding innovation of the Investments for the Future program. Moreover, it takes part -------------------------------------------------------------------------- in all Technology Transfer Company (SATT) projects involving private While researchers traditionally receive gold, silver, and bronze medals companies in charge of financing the gestation of inventions. ‘Proof in recognition of the scientific excellence of their work, a new prize was of concept is a vital step to facilitate the transfer of an invention and created in 2011. The Medal of Innovation will now be awarded every year to minimize risks for the manufacturer wishing to bring it to market,’ to researchers—from CNRS or other research organizations, colleges says Pierre Roy. ‘In line with its partnership strategy with higher edu- and universities, or from industry—whose work has resulted in significant cation and research, CNRS holds shares in 13 future SATTs, which technological, therapeutical, or societal innovations. Three laureates were will benefit from its experience in the field. The work carried out in selected for the first edition of April 27, 2011: Esther Duflo, development 2011 will enable us to be represented proportionally to our local economist; Mathias Fink, physicist; and François Pierrot, robotics specialist. contribution to research.’ CNRS’s involvement will also give it access They are the first ambassadors for research focused on the economic world to more extensive resources for its own research units, making this and on society. a win-win partnership. 62 A year at CNRS 2011
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