What are Export Controls?

Export controls in an academic setting refer to a set of laws and regulations that restrict the transfer of certain technologies, information, and materials to foreign countries, organisations, or individuals for reasons of national security, economic protection, or foreign policy. While these laws often target commercial and defence industries, they can significantly impact academic research, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Export Controls at Warwick

A new Institutional Export Control Policy has been launched that establishes a new internal control environment to support the transfer of knowledge, goods, and ideas, to international partners.

Compliance with the Policy will ensure that these important activities can be delivered in a safe and compliant way, and all staff are therefore required to read and understand it.

View Information on Trusted ResearchLink opens in a new window(PDF)

View Export Control InformationLink opens in a new window(PDF)

Support and guidance is available for any colleague who wishes to discuss the Policy and what it means for your role, via Research & Impact Services at researchcompliance@warwick.ac.uk. 

What are Spin Out Companies?

A university spin-out company is a private company that commercialises academic research.

Spin-outs are separate legal entities from the university, with their own employees, shareholders, and board of directors.

What is Research Commercialisation?

Research commercialisation is the process by which new or improved technologies, products, processes and services that have arisen from research are brought to market. It is a valuable mechanism that enables us to solve real problems and fulfil unmet needs, creating significant economic and societal value as a result.

Warwick Innovations

Warwick Innovations has created over 100 spinout companies, more than any other Midlands University. If you are interested in commercialising your research, the innovations team can help. The School of Engineering have had successful Spin Outs such as:

• Warwick Acoustics
• StoliChem

If you have any questions or would like support and guidance for commercialising your research, contact the team here.

What is a Start-Up?

A startup is a newly established business venture created to develop a unique product, service, or technology, often in response to a market need or gap. Startups are typically characterized by innovation, scalability, and a focus on rapid growth, often operating under conditions of uncertainty. They aim to disrupt existing markets or create entirely new ones, leveraging lean resources and agility. Startups are often funded through investments, including venture capital, angel investors, or crowdfunding, and may prioritize customer feedback and iterative development to refine their offerings.

What is the Warwick Innovation District?

The Warwick Innovation District (WID) is a large, open innovation ecosystem that stretches from the University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire, through Leamington to Wellesbourne.

WID bring together academics, businesses, founders, and investors, to start, scale and pivot businesses, while helping students gain the opportunity to experiment with creative and critical thinking.

WID and Start-Up Support

The University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Support Service provides an end-to-end service for innovation-led businesses, ranging from start-up support to ongoing strategic consultancy.

Services include start-up facilities via Ignite coupled with incubation support, access to finance including the Minerva business angel network and professional market development services from Techmark. Based out of the Venture Centre, the services offered are available for regional businesses as well as for tenants across all UWSP’s sites.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to the legal rights that protect creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. These rights enable creators to control and benefit from their intellectual innovations and ensure recognition or financial gain from their work. Common types of IP include:

1. Patents: Protect inventions or processes that provide a new way of doing something or offer a new technical solution.
2. Trademarks: Safeguard symbols, names, logos, or slogans that distinguish goods or services.
3. Copyrights: Protect original literary, artistic, and musical works.

How can Warwick Innovation Help?

Identifying and protecting IPR and successfully commercialising research can be a complicated legal, commercial and technical journey but incredibly rewarding. Commercialising your research will improve your capabilities and productivity as a professional scientist. If you are in any doubt that your research outcomes have a future commercial value, check in with the Warwick Innovation team.

• Navigate patent processes: Our experts will guide you through the intricacies of patent applications, from filing to thorough patent searches.
• Ownership and exploitation negotiation: We facilitate negotiations for ownership and the strategic exploitation of intellectual property rights with third parties and potential sponsors, ensuring that your innovations reach their full potential.
• Maximise commercial potential: We provide insights and support to help you maximise the commercial potential of your ideas, helping you to generate economic, social, and environmental impact.