Innovation intermediaries are organisations that act as agents or brokers within the innovation process, connecting multiple actors, resources and perspectives. As boundary-spanning institutions, they translate high-level visions into practical action by linking stakeholders from the quadruple helix—policymakers, industry (particularly SMEs), universities, research organisations and civil society—with bottom-up experimentation across regional innovation ecosystems. Their central importance lies in their capacity to articulate transformative goals, align actors across sectors and governance levels, and foster experimentation, reflexivity and broad participation. The rise of challenge-driven innovation places new demands on these organisations. Intermediaries are increasingly expected to operate as system stewards capable of orchestrating complex, multi-actor processes and embedding societal challenges into regional development pathways. Fulfilling this expanded role—what can be described as the evolution toward intermediary 3.0—requires long-term mandates, stable funding frameworks and formal recognition within mission governance structures.
Moderators: Policy Learning Platform management team, Marc Pattinson and Arnault Morisson
Recent studies on both sides of the Atlantic, directed by either ASTP or AUTM, demonstrate the tremendous economic and societal benefit and value technology transfer has brought us.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
Great networking, new knowledge and inspiration!
Jonas Rimbäck
University of Gothenburg, Sweden
ASTP has attained a unique position that has turned it into a highly valued player on the global technology transfer scene.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
From day one ASTP has been a tremendous help. Learning throughs seminars and workshops or meeting peers for discussions, there is always someone around to exchange ideas with.
Paul van Dun
KU Leuven, Belgium
A must-do for any staff involved in technology transfer and start-up creation.
Frederic Ratel
Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, Spain
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