I know - and that's where wanted to get at: I'd argue that, esp. in regard to their cooperation with SMBs and the benefits for the latter, nowadays it's the sheer concentration of R&D expertise (resulting in better risk mitigation, faster time-to-market etc.) that's the main driver for institutes like Fraunhofer, and monetization to third parties might sound that it is, but is actually incidental in practice.
(Ironically - in contrast to defense against patent violations/litigation, where having Fraunhofer's back is certainly a big benefit! :) )
I mean, we are in a time where e.g. even Sony (of all companies!) freely licenses their LDAC codec to the AOSP. To me it seems that after decades of countless multi-front patent wars many finally start to admit they are sick and tired of it. (Esp. when looking
to the rising China, which seems to do well at the innovation front while not giving much of a damn about patent protection...)
(Ironically - in contrast to defense against patent violations/litigation, where having Fraunhofer's back is certainly a big benefit! :) )
I mean, we are in a time where e.g. even Sony (of all companies!) freely licenses their LDAC codec to the AOSP. To me it seems that after decades of countless multi-front patent wars many finally start to admit they are sick and tired of it. (Esp. when looking to the rising China, which seems to do well at the innovation front while not giving much of a damn about patent protection...)