Updated 05/11/2025

Turning Research Services into Impact: Managing Key Exploitable Results in IRISCC

IRISCC Project, together with ENVRINNOV and ENVRI-Hub NEXT Projects, hosted an engaging webinar dedicated to helping research infrastructures identify, manage, and exploit Key Exploitable Results (KERs) — a crucial step in transforming research outputs into real-world impact.

Held online on 29th of November 2025, the session gathered members from across the IRISCC and ENVRI communities to explore how to handle project results strategically, from mapping intellectual property (IP) to developing effective exploitation plans. This webinar also set the stage for a hands-on KER workshop that will take place later this year for designated IRISCC KER Champions.

29 participants from across 16 organisations and 7 countries, representing the broader ENVRI and research infrastructure community.

With a 53% participation rate and 34% feedback response rate, attendees largely agreed that their time was well spent— with an average satisfaction score of 4/5.

Participants especially appreciated the clear definitions of KERs, the practical IP insights, and the opportunity to foster cross-project collaboration. Feedback also highlighted a desire for more concrete case studies and success stories, which will be incorporated into upcoming training sessions and the hands-on KER workshop planned later this year.

Key Takeaways

Opening the session, Elia Bellussi, Innovation Manager at the EGI Foundation, introduced the concept of Key Exploitable Results, explaining how research outputs such as datasets, software, documentation, and prototypes can generate innovation value when properly managed.

He highlighted the four main types of intellectual property (IP) relevant in EU projects — background, sideground, third-party, and foreground IP — and described how mapping these helps determine protection, sharing, and exploitation strategies.

Elia also gave a practical demonstration of how KERs are registered in the EU Participant Portal, supporting better exploitation planning and impact reporting.

The second part of the webinar featured Ariane Dubost and Galan Pierre from CNRS and The Cyprus Institute, who presented the ENVRINNOV Project and its forthcoming ENVRI Innovation Hub. This new platform will provide a central space for research infrastructures to access innovation tools, training materials, policy guidance, and a service catalogue to foster collaboration and technology transfer.

They also introduced the Innovation Toolbox — a resource collection of best practices, templates, and success stories — as well as upcoming training sessions focused on innovation management, IP, and technology transfer within the research infrastructure ecosystem.

Together, the presentations provided a clear roadmap for turning research results into measurable scientific, societal, and economic impact.

Next Steps

IRISCC will continue supporting members in identifying and managing KERs through dedicated training activities and the upcoming hands-on workshop later this year. Partners interested in acting as KER Champions or in exploring the tools presented are encouraged to stay connected via the IRISCC website and the future ENVRI Innovation Hub.

FAQ: Managing Key Exploitable Results

What is a Key Exploitable Result (KER)?

A KER is a significant project output that has potential for further use — scientific, technological, societal, or commercial. Examples include datasets, prototypes, software, and methodologies.

Why manage KERs?

Identifying and tracking KERs ensures that valuable project outputs are protected, shared, and reused, enhancing both visibility and long-term impact.

What are the main IP categories?

Background IP: Knowledge brought into the project.
Sideground IP: Created in parallel but related to project work.
Third-party IP: External content requiring permissions or licenses.
Foreground IP: Results produced directly within the project.

Where are KERs reported?

In the EU Participant Portal, where partners describe each result, its type, potential impact area, and planned exploitation.

Who manages KERs in IRIS-CC?Who manages KERs in IRISCC?

The IRISCC Innovation Manager Elia Bellussi, in coordination with KER Champions across partner organisations, oversees identification, reporting, and exploitation activities.

What is the ENVRI Innovation Hub?

A new collaborative platform offering training, templates, and resources to help research infrastructures strengthen their innovation management and impact pathways.

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Key Takeaways

Next Steps

FAQ: Managing Key Exploitable Results

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