Three publications, one shared purpose: strengthening knowledge transfer in Europe

October has been a particularly important month for ASTP, with the publication of two new reports developed by ASTP committees and a major study by the European Patent Office (EPO), to which ASTP contributed.

Each publication looks at knowledge transfer from a different perspective: what is happening across Europe's universities and research organisations, what challenges remain in bringing research to market, and how the professionals behind this work can be better recognised and supported.

Together, they also show what can be achieved when knowledge transfer professionals, National Associations and European partners work together.

Understanding knowledge transfer across Europe

ASTP has published its latest Executive Data Report for FY2023, developed by the ASTP Metrics & Impact Committee.

The report brings together data from 489 Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) across 19 European countries, covering industry collaborations, intellectual property management, licensing and the creation of spin-offs and start-ups.

Among the findings, responding KTOs reported €2.89 billion in income from industry collaborations, 1,465 licensing, option and assignment agreements, and the creation of 585 spin-offs and 5,419 start-ups.

These figures provide a picture of the scale and range of knowledge transfer activities across Europe, while also showing the differences between organisations and how they work.

ASTP has been collecting and analysing knowledge transfer data for more than two decades. Through its Annual Survey and collaboration with National Associations, ASTP brings together information that helps KTOs, research organisations and policymakers better understand the European KT landscape.

This work depends on the contributions of KTOs and National Associations that share their data and expertise, making it a collective effort by the European KT community.

Explore the Executive Data Report – FY2023

Bringing the KT community's perspective to European discussions

Another important development is the publication of the EPO Observatory study, From Public Research to Market Success: Europe's Technology Transfer Challenge, produced with Fraunhofer ISI and contributions from ASTP.

The study examines how European universities and public research organisations bring research to market, the challenges they face and what could help strengthen technology transfer across Europe.

ASTP contributed data and perspectives from the European knowledge transfer community, helping to bring the experiences of KT professionals into the study.

On 22 October, ASTP also partnered with the EPO for an event presenting and discussing the findings. Fabrice Lefebvre, ASTP Vice President Metrics & Impact, was interviewed as part of the study discussions, while Laura MacDonald, ASTP Chief Executive, contributed to the expert panel on strengthening technology transfer in Europe.

For ASTP, this collaboration is an important opportunity to ensure that the knowledge and experiences of practitioners are part of wider European discussions on research, innovation and technology transfer.

Read more about the EPO study and ASTP's involvement

"Through our Annual Survey, ASTP has built up almost two decades of knowledge transfer data from across Europe. This gives us a valuable perspective on how the sector is developing, and collaborations such as the EPO study allow us to bring that knowledge, together with the experience of our members, into wider European discussions." — Fabrice Lefebvre, ASTP VP Metrics & Impact

Recognising the people behind knowledge transfer

While data and research help us understand the European KT landscape, it is equally important to look at the people doing the work.

ASTP's National Associations Advisory Committee (NAAC) has published a new report, Strengthening the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Profession: Recognition, Competences and Career Pathways.

Developed by NAAC Working Group 3, the report looks at how the KT profession is recognised across different countries, the skills professionals need and the opportunities available for training and career development.

Drawing on responses from 28 National Associations, as well as three guest associations from South Africa, New Zealand and Chile, the findings show that recognition of the profession still varies considerably.

Only 32% of responding National Associations reported formal recognition of the KT profession at national level, while 39% reported partial recognition and 29% reported no formal recognition.

The report also highlights the wide range of roles and responsibilities within knowledge transfer, and the need for clearer career pathways, continued professional development and greater recognition of the skills and experience of KT professionals.

Through NAAC, ASTP brings together National Associations to share experiences, learn from different national approaches and work together on challenges facing the profession.

Read the NAAC report

"Knowledge transfer professionals play an important role in connecting research with industry and society, yet recognition of the profession still varies considerably across Europe. Through NAAC, we can learn from different national approaches and work together to strengthen professional recognition, skills development and career opportunities." — Laura Spinardi, VP NAAC

Three publications, one shared purpose

Although each publication focuses on a different area, they are closely connected.

• The ASTP Annual Survey helps us understand what knowledge transfer professionals and their organisations are doing.
• The EPO study examines the wider challenges and opportunities for technology transfer in Europe.
• And the NAAC report looks at the people behind knowledge transfer and how the profession can be better recognised and supported.

Together, they show how ASTP's work goes beyond bringing people together through training, events and networking. Through data collection, research, collaboration with European partners and the work of its committees and National Associations, ASTP is helping bring the knowledge and experiences of its community into wider European discussions.

Behind these achievements are the many professionals who contribute their time, expertise and data: the ASTP Metrics & Impact Committee, NAAC and its working groups, participating KTOs, National Associations and ASTP members.

Their contributions make this work possible and demonstrate the strength of a community working towards a shared goal: strengthening knowledge transfer and the profession behind it.

"These three publications show what we can achieve when we bring together the knowledge and experience of our community. They also reflect ASTP's growing contribution to European discussions on knowledge transfer and our commitment to supporting the profession as it continues to develop." — Laura MacDonald, ASTP Chief Executive