Harnessing expired patents for social innovation: a challenge-based learning approach in engineering education

• Urueña López, Alberto ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

     Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

     Madrid, España

     
• Localización: IJERI: International journal of Educational Research and Innovation, ISSN-e 2386-4303, n. 24, 2025
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.46661/ijeri.11769
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Aprovechando las patentes caducadas para la innovación social: un enfoque de aprendizaje basado en retos en la educación en ingeniería
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen
  • español

    En una era de rápidos avances tecnológicos, la capacidad de innovar de manera eficaz es una competencia fundamental. El proyecto Patentes para Tod@s, respaldado por la Alianza Europea para la Innovación y la Ciencia en la Enseñanza de la Ingeniería (EELISA), redefine la innovación haciendo hincapié en el potencial de las patentes caducadas como base para el progreso social. Implementada en el marco del curso Conceptos y aspectos legales de la innovación de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, esta iniciativa involucra a estudiantes nacionales e internacionales en la reutilización de inventos existentes para abordar retos sociales.

    Basado en el aprendizaje basado en retos (CBL), el proyecto tiende un puente entre los conocimientos teóricos y la aplicación práctica, dotando a los estudiantes de habilidades esenciales en gestión de la propiedad intelectual, colaboración interdisciplinar y resolución de problemas. A través del trabajo en equipo estructurado y la formación impartida por expertos, los estudiantes analizan y modifican patentes caducadas, fomentando un enfoque iterativo de la innovación. Un marco de evaluación integral —que incluye evaluaciones de los estudiantes, entrevistas con expertos y el modelo CIPP (Contexto, Aportación, Proceso, Producto)— demuestra el impacto del proyecto en la mejora de la creatividad, las competencias profesionales y la responsabilidad social de los alumnos.

    Los resultados sugieren que trabajar con patentes caducadas fomenta una comprensión más profunda de la innovación tecnológica y la sostenibilidad, lo que refuerza el importante papel de la educación superior en el fomento de la innovación en el mundo real. Las futuras iteraciones perfeccionarán las metodologías y las estructuras de colaboración para maximizar los beneficios educativos y sociales.

  • English

    In an era of rapid technological advancement, the ability to innovate effectively is a critical competency. Patentes para Tod@s (Patents for All) project, supported by the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA), redefines innovation by emphasizing the potential of expired patents as a foundation for social progress. Implemented within the Concepts and Legal Aspects of Innovation course at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, this initiative engages national and international students in repurposing existing inventions to address societal challenges.

    Rooted in Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), the project bridges theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, equipping students with essential skills in intellectual property management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem-solving. Through structured teamwork and expert-led training, students analyze and modify expired patents, fostering an iterative approach to innovation. A comprehensive assessment framework —including student evaluations, expert interviews, and the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP model)— demonstrates the project's impact on enhancing creativity, professional competencies, and social responsibility.

    Findings suggest that working with expired patents cultivates a deeper understanding of technological adaptation and sustainability, reinforcing the important role of higher education in fostering real-world innovation. Future iterations will refine training methodologies and collaborative structures to further maximize educational and societal benefits.

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