Students want better education about intellectual property (IP) to help them with their future careers as fewer than half (40%) of students consider their current understanding of IP to be enough according to a survey published by the UK's National Union of Students (NUS), the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the Intellectual Property Awareness Network (IPAN).

The research found that while 80% of students believe knowledge of IP is important, many students are not even aware of the potential scope of IP education. And even where it does take place, IP education is often restricted to plagiarism. Furthermore, whilst 82% of students feel it is important to know about IP to ensure everyone receives recognition for their work and ideas, significantly less make a connection between IP and commercial success.

The research findings demonstrate a clear demand from students for better access to information on IP and how it relates to their future careers. However, students are presently confused about what IP is and don't know who to go to get this information. This is especially relevant for those involved in teaching engineering, design and the creative industries.

"This research highlights shortcomings in student IP understanding and its teaching in Further and Higher Education which have negative implications for the UK economy," said Professor Ruth Soetendorp, who leads IPAN's Education Group. "The UK needs to be world class in the creative arts, innovative in its product and systems designs, and pioneering in manufacturing processes. In a global market these need to be underwritten by a proper understanding of IP embedded in an educated workforce."

Story filed 24.10.12