Two principles underpin Responsible Partnering. These are described and then elaborated into ten guidelines, capable of being implemented in a staged approach by companies and PROs.

1. Maximum Beneficial Use of Public Research

There are many reasons why public money is invested in the creation of new knowledge, including the better education of people, the desire for economic competitiveness, to address social priorities and to obtain well-informed societies. Whatever the reason, benefits appear only when knowledge is disseminated and put to productive use.

This first principle recognises the need to demonstrate that such benefits are being achieved. In adhering to Responsible Partnering, the public and private partners: recognize the importance of continued public investment in knowledge creation and the importance of quality; understand the need to achieve maximum beneficial use of the knowledge and skills generated through public sponsorship; and commit to taking steps that contribute to this objective.

2. Responsible Use of Public Research

Many types of knowledge and skills are used to produce useful products and services. In adhering to Responsible Partnering, public and private sector bodies also recognise that their success depends on others contributions. This leads to policies that concern the Responsible Use of Public Research: the responsibility to be diligent in developing research results and inventions the need for all parties to share equitably in the rights to these results and inventions; the expectations of these partners when engaging in joint programmes to achieve lasting benefit; the need to ensure that results and inventions resulting from public investment are used in ways that also serve the general public interest; the need to organise collaborations in ways that foster their long-term vitality; and assurance that ethical aspects of the research are taken fully into account.