Analysis of Intellectual Property Registration Readiness of Research Outputs: A Case Study of Local and Community Development Higher Education Institution, Nakhon Phanom University

Abstract

        Intellectual property registration represents a critical mechanism for enhancing the value of research outputs and strengthening the role of higher education institutions within the national innovation system. Higher education institutions in the local and community development group continue to encounter structural and managerial constraints that affect the level of IP Readiness of their research outputs. This study aims to (1) assess the level of intellectual property readiness of research projects funded under the Fundamental Fund scheme,
(2) classify readiness levels according to different types of IP protection, and (3) analyze systemic research management constraints influencing the progression of research outputs toward legal protection. The population comprised 77 research projects funded under the Fundamental Fund (FF) scheme at Nakhon Phanom University during fiscal years 2022–2024. A purposive sample of 73 projects (94.81%) with complete documentation was selected for analysis. A mixed-methods approach was employed using a five-criteria IP registration readiness assessment instrument validated by three IP specialists (validated through a 4-step process). Documentary analysis and independent expert evaluations were conducted. Descriptive statistics and Fleiss' Kappa inter-rater reliability analysis were applied. The findings indicate that (1) most projects demonstrate a 'partial potential, requiring further development' level of IP readiness, particularly in technical documentation and systematic patent search;
(2) research outputs are most suitable for copyright protection (27.40%), followed by those with unclear classification (23.29%) and patent/petty patent (17.81%); and
(3) key systemic constraints include absence of prior art search, publication-oriented documentation, and lack of early-stage IP strategy. The Fleiss' Kappa of 0.433 (Moderate Agreement) indicates professional judgment complexity in IP assessment. Findings generate policy recommendations for strengthening IP management systems in local and community-oriented higher education institutions.