Responsible Partnering is a voluntary code of conduct for innovative companies and public research institutions to enable them to collaborate more effectively and at the same time contribute to the achievement of their respective missions in a sustainable way.

Responsible Partnering is about effective collaborative research. There are many other forms of collaboration between Science and Industry and all are useful. However, collaborative research is the most difficult form of knowledge transfer and also the one holding the largest potential for innovation. It is also consistent with the new paradigm of Open Innovation.

The Responsible Partnering guidelines have been developed by experienced practitioners of collaborative research from four European associations representing the needs of Industry (EIRMA), Research & Technology Organisations (EARTO), Universities (EUA) and Knowledge Transfer Organisations (ProTon Europe). It is based on the analysis of the main problems preventing effective collaboration and also on the success stories where such collaboration was effectively achieved.

Responsible Partnering is both a change of mindset and a practical set of tools.

Concerning the mindset, a number of principles and policies to be adhered to by the management of interested partners will facilitate the development of more effective collaborations.

On the practical side, this site contains actionable recommendations on such issues as:

• Identifying good partners
• Constructing the Collaborative Research Agreement
• Self assessment guidelines
• Support of governmental authorities