Challenge:
A multinational company focussing on consumer electronics sought to improve its early-stage intelligence and market access to six broad technology sectors. They relied on the Oracle to provide these services.
The Oracle’s Solution:
Disciplinary experts were appointed from within the Oracle’s fellowship to head each of the six technology sectors. Each of these lead consultants was then able to rely on the Oracle’s international networks to appoint ad-hoc team members according to the precise expertise required. The Oracle used its existing relationships with universities, independent R & D facilities, research organisations, and SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) around the world to identify emerging technologies with great promise. Shortlists of potentially interesting innovations were created and provided to the client. The client then provided feedback on its priorities and had the opportunity to request further information. Oxford Oracle was also often called upon to undertake IP due diligence and to elucidate issues around IP protection and freedom to operate. Ultimately, for innovations of potential interest, the Oracle undertook “deep-dive” interviews and site visits as well as facilitating direct discussions between the client and the innovators driving the candidate technologies.
Consequential Impact:
In a three-year period, more than 200 innovations from almost 40 countries were shortlisted for the client. Pursuant to client meetings, 140 of these were then earmarked for deep-dive due diligence. Five deals involving company or IP acquisition have been concluded. A number of others are currently progressing positively. Furthermore, several areas of the client’s IP pre-eminence have been augmented and re-inforced. The project continues.