NAAC Working Group on Metrics releases landmark KTT report

Knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) is now recognised as a key part of the “third mission” of universities and public research organisations (PROs), alongside research and teaching. It drives innovation, economic growth, and societal wellbeing. To strengthen its measurement across Europe, ASTP’s NAAC Working Group on Metrics has published the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Metrics Report (2025) — a comprehensive overview of existing frameworks and a call for harmonisation.

Why measuring KTT matters

Indicators influence how institutions operate and how policymakers allocate support. Yet, as the report highlights, many current data collections capture only what is easy to measure, such as patent numbers or licensing income, while overlooking other valuable activities — like consultancy, continuing education, or societal impact.

The Working Group’s aim is to develop a harmonised set of definitions and indicators reflecting the full range of KTT activities and outcomes, ensuring that what matters most to innovation and society is properly recognised.

Mapping existing frameworks

The report reviews major international approaches, including those from the European Commission, ERAC, WIPO, and OECD, as well as national surveys. From these, the Working Group developed a “KTT Metrics Cube” — a model combining three perspectives:

1. Activity: how knowledge is exchanged (research, professional education & training, commercialisation).
2. Value chain: inputs, outputs, and impacts.
3. Location: internal or external to the institution.

This multidimensional view allows for a more complete picture of KTT performance and its effects.

Europe's current metrics landscape

The analysis of 19 national data collections shows common ground but also major inconsistencies. Most countries focus on outputs — such as invention disclosures, patents, and licensing — while inputs and impacts remain underrepresented.

Key findings include:

• KTO resources (staff, budgets, services) are measured differently across countries.
• Research and consultancy agreements are common indicators, but their definitions vary.
• Education-based transfers (e.g. industrial PhDs, executive training) are rarely tracked.
• Impact measures — such as job creation in spin-offs or societal benefits — are still emerging.

This fragmented landscape highlights the need for shared definitions and comparable methodologies.

Pathways to harmonisation

The report recommends:

• Standard definitions for core KTT indicators.
• Broader coverage of transfer channels, including teaching and consultancy.
• Balanced attention to inputs, outputs, and impacts.
• Alignment with OECD standards for comparability.
• Coordinated data collection across KTOs, universities and PROs, and national bodies.

Such alignment would strengthen evidence-based policymaking and enhance the visibility of universities’ and PROs’ contribution to innovation and society.

Towards meaningful metrics

The ASTP NAAC Knowledge and Technology Transfer Metrics Report (2025) sets the stage for a more coherent European approach to measuring KTT. It urges stakeholders to look beyond what is easiest to quantify and to capture the broader value created through research partnerships, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing.

By fostering common understanding definitions and shared indicators, the report moves Europe closer to a unified system that truly reflects how knowledge transforms society.