Implementation of the Project  «The Key to Innovative Education: Introduction of Intellectual Property Fundamentals in the Programs of Secondary Education Institutions» Continues

Project Goal – Education Ahead of Its Time

The project is planned for implementation until 2030 and envisages a phased and systematic integration of intellectual property knowledge into the educational process. Its main goal is to build legal awareness and increase participants’ understanding of intellectual property. In particular, it aims to provide teachers and students with basic knowledge and practical skills in identifying IP objects, acquiring and exercising rights, preventing violations, and understanding the role of IP in fostering creative and technological thinking.

Target Audience

The project primarily supports two key groups:

• Teachers of Ukrainian secondary schools, especially those teaching subjects related to creativity, technology, and law: Art, Technology, Law, Media Literacy, Computer Science, Ethics, and Civic Education;
• Students, who will gain foundational knowledge of intellectual property through specially developed teaching materials and the integration of IP topics into school curricula.

Nationwide Reach and Accessibility

The project covers secondary schools across Ukraine. Teacher training courses and additional consultations are conducted online, allowing participation from all regions. Moreover, project materials will be made available on online platforms for easier access.

Project Implementation Stages: From Concept to Daily Practice

The project is implemented in phases, combining online and offline formats. Each stage focuses on deepening teachers’ knowledge, strengthening practical skills, and integrating intellectual property into the educational space.

Surveys and Identification of Educational Needs

The first step was a large-scale survey of 9,555 educators from various regions of Ukraine to assess their awareness of intellectual property and identify support needs.

Key Survey Results:

• 57% of teachers had never attended courses or trainings related to intellectual property;
• 62% had no experience developing student projects involving the creation of original works;
• 20% had encountered copyright violations in their professional practice or among colleagues;
• 98% had never filed an application for official copyright registration of their works;
• 51% used teaching materials to explain students’ rights in creative fields;
• 34% worked in schools without regulations concerning copyrights on work-for-hire creations;
• 82% had explained to students their rights and obligations regarding their creations;
• 35% indicated that their schools did not hold activities informing students about the risks of counterfeit products or other intellectual property awareness campaigns.

Conducting an Information-Analytical Study

Based on collected data, a full-scale analytical study was prepared to assess schools’ readiness for IP education.

Study Goals:

• Assess teacher interest in IP courses and trainings for professional development;
• Analyze school activities aimed at raising awareness of IP rights and countering counterfeit products;
• Determine the presence of internal regulations regarding copyrights on work-for-hire creations;
• Evaluate teacher involvement in student projects in creating original works;
• Identify IP-related challenges teachers face in professional practice;
• Systematize teacher recommendations for integrating IP knowledge into school curricula.

Read the full study HERE.

Developing a Concept for Integrating IP Basics

Findings from the study formed the basis for creating a Concept for integrating intellectual property knowledge into secondary and extracurricular education. This document serves as a guideline for systematic, meaningful, and long-term integration of IP topics into the educational process.

The Concept outlines practical ways to develop students’ skills in recognizing, protecting, and using their own creative works, as well as fostering respect for the rights of other authors, artists, and inventors.

Read the full Concept HERE

Teacher Training Courses

The project provides a three-tier training system for teachers:

Level 1 – Basic

• Designed for all teachers regardless of subject.
• Pilot course “School of Superheroes” held from February 13 to March 6, 2025, with 138 teachers from 13 cities.
• The program included four thematic sessions on IP basics and practical application in the educational environment.

Level 2 – Specialized

• Designed for teachers of creative, technical, and social sciences and humanities subjects: Art, Technology, Law, Computer Science, Ethics, Media Literacy, etc.

Level 3 – Advanced

• Designed for research-oriented teachers and mentors of student research projects requiring deeper knowledge of intellectual property protection.

Developing Educational Materials

Materials are designed for practical application and adaptation to different student age groups.

A series of teaching materials is being prepared for teachers and students to integrate IP topics into various school subjects, including Art, Technology, Law, Computer Science, Media Literacy, Ukrainian Language and Literature, Ethics, and Social Sciences.

Online Sessions and Teacher Consultations

To support teachers post-training, online sessions and consultations will be provided to discuss challenges, ask questions, and receive methodological guidance on integrating IP into school curricula.

Pilot Testing in Schools

Project participants will implement the developed materials in their schools to evaluate effectiveness, gather feedback, and refine methodological approaches.

Launch of Mentorship Support

At the final stage, a mentorship program will be launched for partner schools, providing individual support to teachers integrating IP topics into the curriculum. An analytical report on project results will also be prepared.

Why This Matters

Integrating IP basics into school curricula will help students not only understand how to transform ideas into real projects and successfully implement them but also develop their creative and professional skills. In the context of rapid digital technology growth and the creative economy, this knowledge will prepare students for modern challenges and strengthen legal culture in society.

Benefits for Teachers:

• Enhance professional knowledge in IP;
• Use modern materials to support student development;
• Foster students’ creative potential, laying a foundation for future professional and intellectual growth.

The project «Key to Innovative Education» is a strategic initiative laying the groundwork for systemic change in school education. Its implementation will contribute to developing a new generation of informed, conscious, creative, and prepared participants in the educational process. By integrating IP knowledge into education, we invest in a future where authorship is valued, rights are respected, innovation is supported, and the cultural code of the nation is preserved.