Researchers innovate and invent to solve societal problems. However, in the global South, these innovations are rarely deployed into society, and even less so are they commercialized. As a result, researchers seldom profit from their work. 

A critical question arises: Should addressing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) be part of the research-to-commercialization (R2C) journey? Researchers often wonder if GESI is as beneficial as technical skills like intellectual property rights, pitching, or financial modeling, which are crucial for commercialization. "Surely, a bioagent is a bioagent," some might say. 

Yet, society is committed to "leave no one behind" as part of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment means everyone must consider and address the rights and needs of those most likely to be excluded based on several intersecting identities including sex, gender identity, age, disability status, religious persuasion, ethnicity, race, nationality, education level, geographical location, socio-economic status, among others. In the realm of innovation and inventions, researchers must avoid reinforcing exclusion and be intentional about inclusion. 

The Importance of GESI in Commercialization 

The research-to-commercialization journey involves transforming scientific discoveries into market-ready products for use and consumption. At Viktoria Ventures, the R2C program identifies eight distinct steps in this journey. At nearly every step, considering GESI can significantly enhance the process and outcome. 

Internal vs. External GESI Considerations 

The questions about GESI apply both internally within research teams and externally in market interactions. Internally, it concerns who is involved in the research process, how diverse perspectives are integrated, and whether team dynamics foster inclusion. Externally, it relates to who benefits from the innovation, how different groups perceive and access the product, and whether the market strategy considers marginalized groups. 

Financiers committed to the “leave no one behind” and SDGs often require innovators to address GESI. One open innovation challenge application asks whether applicants' innovations are "inclusive of vulnerable groups with a focus on low income and gender inclusivity…how will it be inclusive of your target group e.g., youth, elderly, disabled, etc." Another innovation hub targeting the food system sector seeks projects that are "youth-led, women-led teams and innovators from underserved populations based in East Africa." These considerations encompass both the intended beneficiaries and the composition of the innovation teams. 

Externally, considerations are about who has access to the product, who knows about the product. Where products are innovated without inclusion in mind, it is possible that one inevitably leaves behind those who can have use for it. We can all agree that even for the bottom line, this is not a pragmatic strategy. Innovators in the program have found the need to reconsider for instance, the packaging of their product to be more portable for those who travel long distances based on their geographical location; or smaller packaging to be accessible to small scale farmers or households. As the researcher considers commercializing these do become their concerns. 

Table 1: Steps in the Research to Commercialization Journey 

	Stage	GESI consideration
1	Discovery/Innovation disclosure	No.  Unless it is developed for a specific population group that is considered marginalized/socially excluded.
2	Innovation disclosure	Yes.  Internal consideration.  Diversity of internal persons consulted, to get different perspectives.
3	Market assessment	Yes.   External consideration.  Disaggregated data to assess perceptions of different persons about the discovery/innovation - appeal (or not), perception of utility, accessibility (price, size, disability, distance, etc.)
4	IP Registration	No.
5	Discussions & Agreements with internal stakeholders	Yes.   Internal consideration.  Diversity of internal persons consulted, to get different perspectives. Each voice holds equal weight.  Fairness of benefits, if applicable e.g. their part in the Agreement.   Note that suppliers are also considered stakeholders. Fair practice and intentional inclusion of youth, women and persons with disability in supplier lists.
6	Licensing/Spin off	No.
7	Product Development/Launch	Yes.   External consideration.  Broad awareness about the product to diverse audience. No bias to restrict knowledge about and access to the product. Primary and secondary audiences considered in product development (informed by market assessment) and product launch.

Conclusion 

Considering GESI in the commercialization journey is not just about ethical responsibility but also about maximizing the market potential and impact of innovations. It involves ensuring diverse perspectives in the research process and addressing the needs of different market segments. By integrating GESI, researchers and innovators can enhance their contributions to societal goals, foster inclusivity, and ultimately drive sustainable economic growth. 

Today's innovators must realize that inclusion is not an optional add-on but a fundamental component of successful commercialization. By embedding GESI considerations into every step of the research-to-commercialization journey, we can create innovations that truly serve all members of society.