Advancing Responsible, Compliant, and ethical AI-Driven knowledge vAlorisation for early-stage innovation

ARCADIA is a 24-month Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action that aims to radically improve how research results are turned into societal, economic, and policy impact. Today, the vast majority of publicly funded research across Europe remains underutilised - 95% of patents lie inactive, and many researchers and institutions lack the tools, knowledge, or incentives to engage in structured valorisation processes. To address this gap, ARCADIA will deliver a modular, AI-powered Toolbox that guides users - researchers, knowledge valorisation intermediaries (KVIs), and innovation offices - through the valorisation journey. The toolbox includes tools for opportunity discovery, strategic roadmapping, IP decision support, and stakeholder engagement, all tailored by domain, maturity level, and context. The project will prioritise inclusion, accessibility, and real-world testing. At least 100 real use cases will be developed across sectors. More than 300 users will co-develop and test the toolbox, and at least 15% of them are expected to initiate first-time IP disclosures or new innovation actions. ARCADIA’s impact will be systemic. It will reduce inactive patents, increase spin-offs, promote the uptake of FAIR and AI-enabled workflows, and build a trusted model of human-centred AI in valorisation. By working closely with stakeholders from across Europe - including Widening countries and underrepresented SSH domains - the project will foster a more equitable and efficient innovation ecosystem. All outputs will be open, replicable, and aligned with EU policies, ensuring long-term sustainability and uptake beyond the project lifetime.

AI-powered toolbox for early-stage innovation