Aug, 2020
COVID 19 has forced the Intellectual property (IP) teams to virtual, remote working. It is indeed a blessing in disguise as it makes us think and invest on the future, whether it is the required skill-set or the infrastructure.
COVID 19 has forced the Intellectual property (IP) teams to virtual, remote working. It is indeed a blessing in disguise as it makes us think and invest on the future, whether it is the required skill-set or the infrastructure.
In last few months from IT infrastructure, physical & mental health of our workforce, to our ability to learn & adopt new ways of working, several inefficiencies became evident.
The IP functions not only had to ensure the continuity of existing IP services, but also had to support the portfolio re-prioritize the existing product pipeline, evaluate the alternate KSMs for products whose deliveries were impacted, identify products which could be repurposed for treating the current pandemic, power the scientists in finding solutions to manage the current crisis like vaccine, anti-retro-viral, sanitizers, appropriate PPE and other supportive life-saving medical devices. Delays in product filings and launches put added pressure on IP teams to be more strategic and look for opportunities which are here & now. Additionally, teams continued to deal with PTO deadlines and delayed court proceedings.
All of this made us look for solutions which can free up team to focus on the higher value, and minimize those processes which can be done cheaper, faster, and more smartly by technologies like Artificial Intelligence and cloud. Also leveraging the open talent continuum of traditional full-time employees and managed services to outsourced teams.
Every company’ journey to the future of work has a different starting point. May be one should start by contemplating:
- What work can be automated?
- What work can be outsourced to drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation?
- Who has the best resources and expertise?
A holistic plan that uses multiple strategies and collaboration with internal & external resources has a higher likelihood of success.
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