Reflecting on AC26: conversations, collaboration and exchange across the KT community

The Annual Conference 2026 brought together 345 knowledge transfer professionals from 42 countries, representing 205 organisations and institutions from across the KT ecosystem. Over the course of three days in Bucharest, the conference featured 82 speakers and a broad programme covering topics ranging from AI and licensing to research management and university-industry collaboration.

Alongside the formal programme, many participants highlighted the openness and collaborative atmosphere of the ASTP community itself. The conference created space for professionals from different institutions, sectors and countries to exchange experiences and practical perspectives.

The Value of Community and Peer Exchange

As Kadri Aua from Tallinn University reflected after the conference, participants had the opportunity to connect “through more personal conversations, sharing openly our wins, challenges, and lessons learned,” adding that “it is so reassuring to get that reminder from time to time that we are definitely not alone in this

Artificial intelligence also emerged as one of the most frequently discussed topics throughout the conference, appearing across sessions, informal conversations and networking events. These discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for the knowledge transfer profession. In her reflections on the conference, Leah Speser noted that “what we do as a profession is changing,” describing how KT professionals are increasingly navigating ecosystems, partnerships, collaborations and the rapid development of AI-related tools and approaches.

One particularly interesting discussion that resurfaced throughout the conference was the relationship between academic research and day-to-day KT practice. While research frameworks and theory remain important, many practitioners emphasised the importance of practical relevance and directly applicable insights within their own organisations and ecosystems. Reflecting on this, Masego Mbaakanyi observed that practitioners “are not interested in my theoretical frameworks or academic jargon. They want to know very clearly ‘how will this help us in our field?’”

Celebrating Leadership, Achievement and Community Growth

AC26 also marked several important moments for the ASTP community. During the conference, Amanda Zeffman officially took on the role of ASTP President, succeeding Art Bos, while the community also thanked departing Board member Krystian Gurba for his years of contribution and leadership within ASTP. The conference additionally saw the launch of the second edition of the Handbook for National Associations in Knowledge Transfer by the National Association Advisory Committee (NAAC), highlighting the continued growth and collaboration of KT communities across Europe and beyond.

The ASTP Impact Awards were also presented during the conference, recognising excellence across the European knowledge transfer community. This year’s winners included InnOValley Proof-of-Concept Fund (KT Initiative of the Year), InnoHub (AI & Digital Innovation Award), and Nascent BV (KT Deal of the Year).

The Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 was awarded to Karen Laigaard, in recognition of her longstanding leadership, dedication, and impact on the European knowledge transfer community. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Jacek Plucinski, recognising his exceptional commitment and service to ASTP and the wider knowledge transfer community.

Throughout the three days in Bucharest, the Annual Conference 2026 demonstrated the value of bringing knowledge transfer professionals together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore how the profession continues to evolve. As new technologies, partnerships and challenges reshape the innovation landscape, the conference reinforced the strength of the ASTP community and its shared commitment to advancing knowledge transfer across organisations, sectors and borders.

A special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and contributors

The Annual Conference would not have been possible without the support, expertise and dedication of many individuals and organisations across the ASTP community. We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors and partners for their valued support, as well as to the volunteers, speakers, moderators, trainers, SIG leaders and the ASTP team whose contributions helped create such a rich and engaging conference experience.

We would also like to recognise the members of the Conference Programme Committee, whose expertise and commitment were instrumental in shaping this year's programme and ensuring it reflected the latest trends, challenges and professional development needs of the knowledge transfer community. The committee plays a central role in developing the content of ASTP's annual conferences and bringing together diverse perspectives from across the KT ecosystem.

Finally, we thank our sponsors and partners: Tradespace, Inteum Company, META Group, LifeArc, FirstIgnite, Foresight Science & Technology, European Patent Office, Wellspring Worldwide, Ascenion GmbH, entreprenerdy, Karen Laigaard, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, IAM4RE.eu, and Research Development Innovation from West University of Timi?oara.