On International Equal Pay Day, EDI SIG coordinators highlight the persistent gender pay gap in Europe and explores its impact on knowledge transfer professionals, calling for greater transparency and sector-wide data.
The LES Benelux Pan-European Conference 2025 and exclusive EPO visit in The Hague will unite experts to explore IP’s role in innovation, regulation, and sustainable growth, offering both high-level insights and a practical look at patent examination.
Donnie SC Lygonis presents the KTH Innovation Readiness Level™ model—a practical framework for evaluating early-stage ideas across six readiness dimensions. Used by KTOs and innovators alike, it…
Amir Rizwan presents the London Social Ventures project, which unites universities, government, and industry to support socially driven entrepreneurship. The webinar explores how cross-sector…
ASTP is proud to introduce the KTO Insight & Positioning Report — a new, customised feedback tool developed by the Metrics and Impact Committee to help Knowledge Transfer Organisations (KTOs) better understand their position within the broader European KT landscape.
The Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation, inviting all interested stakeholders to contribute to the future European Innovation Act. A key deliverable of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. The European Innovation Act will facilitate bringing innovative ideas to…
As Amanda Zeffmann (Cambridge Enterprise) and Elizabeth Nolan (University College Dublin) show, consultancy is more than a side activity — it’s the hidden bridge that connects academia with the outside world.
Collaboration is key to tackling today’s global challenges. Open Innovation and the Quadruple Helix model are reshaping how academia, industry, government, and society work together. Discover how Knowledge and Technology Transfer professionals connect the dots at ASTP’s Thematic Event:…
ASTP is pleased to announce the launch of the European Annual Survey on Knowledge Transfer for financial year 2023 (FY2023). This survey is the most comprehensive Europe-wide effort to capture the activities and outputs of Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) and Public Research Organisations (PROs),…
Join ASTP’s 2025 Thematic Event at CosmoCaixa, Barcelona — two days of ideas, strategies and networking to boost academia–industry partnerships.
Revenue generation from royalties has long been the dominant metric for measuring economic success from licensing results. For many Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), counting the number and value of deals remains the easiest measurement of success. While useful for justifying institutional…
ASTP is pleased to announce the launch of a new Special Interest Group (SIG): AI Solutions for Knowledge Transfer (AI4KT). This SIG aims to bring together professionals who are actively applying artificial intelligence (AI) tools and strategies to enhance knowledge transfer (KT) processes.
As innovation cycles accelerate and competition intensifies, businesses are under increasing pressure to deliver results — fast. In this environment, research collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategic move.
Industry collaboration has become second nature for many universities. Whether through joint research, consultancy, or student placements, these partnerships deliver clear wins: they attract funding, prove the real-world value of academic work, and help hit performance targets.
Netherlands, July 2025 — Licensing intellectual assets in a complex and fast-changing world requires more than traditional models and patent-based strategies. The EU-funded IMPAC3T-IP action is developing a scenario-based toolbox and training programme to help address this challenge. This will…
You shape spinouts, negotiate strategic deals, and turn research into real-world solutions. Now it’s time to be recognised for it. Apply to become RTTP. Deadline: 5th August 2025.
Across Europe, universities and research institutions are being called upon to play a more active role in driving innovation, economic development, and societal progress. In this context, collaboration with industry is no longer just a funding opportunity or a way to validate research outcomes—it…
ASTP has released its White Paper on Knowledge and Technology Transfer Metrics, officially endorsed by the NAAC. The paper introduces the KTT Metrics Cube—a multidimensional framework to better capture the full spectrum of knowledge transfer activities, including societal and economic impacts.
ASTP European Annual Survey is open and we are collecting data on Knowledge Transfer activities and outputs.
We are pleased to present the Annual Survey Executive Data Report with the data provided by respondents for Financial Year (FY) 2022. This report draws on data from 482 Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) across 23 countries.
ASTP White Paper explores how better metrics can improve knowledge and technology transfer, offering key recommendations for universities, PROs, and policymakers across Europe.
Bastiaan van der Zeeuw explores how innovations like apps, data platforms, and interactive technologies can translate SSH insights into scalable, socially valuable solutions. The discussion will also…
The European Patent Office presents the new updates of the Deep Tech Finder. The Deep Tech Finder is a free tool designed to identify deep tech startups, their investors, and associated universities.…
At the 2025 Annual Conference in Vilnius, ASTP’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) played a prominent role by hosting workshops for the first time.
Discover how the EPO’s Deep Tech Finder supports innovation and technology transfer by identifying Europe’s most promising start-ups. Join our Tea with ASTP webinar on 17 June 2025 to explore tailored use cases for the knowledge transfer community.
Edmundo R. Sánchez Guajardo, Jack Coory, and Maite Ibern Gomez discuss how early business validation and due diligence can de-risk spin-out creation and support stronger commercial outcomes.
The IP4OS Horizon Europe project supports Europe's research landscape by fostering synergy between agile Intellectual Property (IP) management and Open Science (OS) practices. By joining our high-quality capacity-building programme, your research institution will be at the forefront of this…
ASTP launched the EDI Toolkit to support inclusive practices in knowledge transfer, with the EDI SIG actively promoting its use through events, webinars, and collaboration opportunities. Recent highlights include presentations in Vilnius and Eindhoven, with more initiatives planned.
ASTP celebrates the essential contributions of its volunteer community during Volunteers’ Week. This article highlights the role of Board members, committees, Special Interest Groups, and the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Michael Karle, and invites knowledge transfer professionals to get involved.
Raoul Haschke, Head of hei_INNOVATION at Heidelberg University, shares the university’s evolving approach to entrepreneurship and transfer. Rather than limiting responsibility to a single faculty…
Nadina Grosios outlines the regulatory path from academic drug discovery to market, highlighting key studies and concepts that support clinical trial submissions, funding access, and partnership…
We are shifting from a purely economic focus to one that includes societal impact, raising challenges in how we measure and manage knowledge transfer. This session explores knowledge flows within…
This exclusive session features insights from the Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) Manager at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands. It offers a direct-from-the-source perspective on…
Knowledge Transfer Office staff face growing pressure to show that their work creates impact beyond financial returns from licensing deals. There is a stronger focus on generating value from the…
This EPO Technology Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of innovation trends in plastic waste recovery, recycling, and alternative materials. Based on five decades of patent data, the report identifies key technological developments, highlights the role of startups and universities,…
The European Patent Office (EPO) has released a new Technology Insight Report highlighting a sharp increase in innovation in plastic waste management.
Philippe Tschopp explores how aligning manufacturing design with regulatory and clinical strategy enhances the development of oral solid drug products. He focuses on GMP, GLP, and TPP as key…
Sven Fiedl explores how start-ups and university spin-offs can build successful ventures using open source business models. From dual licensing and open core to cloud-based and community-driven…
Leading a Knowledge Transfer Office is challenging, with critical decisions shaping success or failure. Tom Flanagan explores the Top 10 Mistakes KT Directors make, sharing insights from his…
Licensing university innovation can be challenging, even for experienced KE professionals. In this webinar, two industry experts share common pitfalls and practical advice, followed by a live Q&A to…
In this powerful personal essay, Leah reflects on her experience as one of the first openly transgender professionals in the field. The piece underscores the importance of visibility, solidarity, and the role of ASTP in fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional community.
The National Advisory Assessment Council (NAAC) is pleased to announce the publication of its latest comprehensive report, an in-depth expansion of the previously released white paper. This newly published document provides a thorough examination of key industry challenges, policy recommendations,…
NAAC publishes a comprehensive report expanding on the ASTP white paper, offering policy recommendations, strategic frameworks, and actionable insights to support innovation, spin-off creation, and sustainable development.
The European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Index 2024 confirms Europe's strong commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer—despite economic uncertainty.
Rick Bonants shares lessons learned from launching multiple spin-offs at TU Delft. Drawing on real-world experience, Rick explores effective strategies and best practices for identifying…
What does knowledge transfer look like in the humanities—and why does it matter? In this session, Miriam Fussangel showcases how researchers at the University of Cologne are applying cultural,…
Thomas Hanke shares his perspective on how to strategically plan and execute preclinical validation for translational academic research. Drawing on his experience at Evotec—a leading biotechnology…
Jos van der Wijst explores key regulatory challenges in software development, the impact of the EU Digital Decade regulation, and how companies can develop a strategic regulatory roadmap for…
Despite growing awareness and progress, gender inequality continues to impact innovation across Europe — from representation in science and engineering to access to funding. Marking International Women’s Day, this article highlights key data on women's participation in innovation and explores…
ASTP introduces a proposed new Special Interest Group (SIG): Connect & Communicate with Impact (CCI SIG), led by Anneke Kenens (Hasselt University) and Eva Van Doren (University of Antwerp). This initiative aims to enhance storytelling, digital communication, and stakeholder engagement in knowledge…
The AgriFood SIG is back, with Andrew Carlin (EIT Food) as co-leader. To grow this initiative, we seek additional co-leaders and members passionate about agri-food innovation and knowledge exchange.
ASTP is proud to announce the launch of the first edition of the ASTP Impact Awards, designed to celebrate and reward outstanding achievements in knowledge transfer (KT). These awards recognise exceptional initiatives, successful collaborations, and impactful projects that drive innovation and…
Artificial intelligence and digital solutions are revolutionising knowledge transfer, making it faster, smarter, and more effective. ASTP is excited to introduce the first edition of the ASTP AI and Digital Innovations Awards, celebrating the trailblazing AI and digital tools that are transforming…
The ASTP 3rd Directors’ Forum, held on 6–7 February 2025 in Lille, France, gathered 31 KTO leaders from 12 countries to discuss AI’s impact on knowledge transfer. Key topics included AI tools, balancing automation with expertise, best practices, and policy strategies.
The European Patent Office (EPO) has initiated an online public consultation, open until 17 March, inviting input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders to shape the second biennial work plan (2026–2027) of its Observatory on Patents and Technology.
LifeArc is accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship, a one-year programme for life scientists transitioning into technology transfer careers.
The newly launched Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit – Adapted for Europe, is an essential resource designed to empower Knowledge and Technology Transfer Offices (K/TTOs) across Europe with actionable strategies to promote equity, celebrate diversity, and foster inclusion.
The 4th Interregional VIADUCT Meeting in Strasbourg gathered European stakeholders to discuss policy improvements and knowledge transfer for spin-off creation. The event featured expert talks, peer reviews, and study visits.
ASTP proudly announces the launch of its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit – Adapted for Europe, an essential resource designed to empower Knowledge and Technology Transfer Offices (K/TTOs) across Europe with actionable strategies to promote equity, celebrate diversity, and foster…
The IMPAC3T-IP project is introducing Classical Plus, an expanded licensing model that goes beyond traditional patent-based approaches. By including copyrights, know-how, and digital assets, this framework enables a more inclusive and sustainable way to transfer research outputs across disciplines.…
IMPAC3T-IP is an ambitious Coordination and Support Action that aims to develop, pilot and support the sustainable adoption of a scenario based licensing ToolBox through a certified user and trainer programme, for efficient IP licensing for market uptake and societal value creation. This document…
Discover how the Creative Launch Fund, a joint initiative by the University of Glasgow, the Glasgow School of Art, and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, supports innovation in the Arts and…
A new study from the European Patent Office (EPO) explores how innovation ecosystems are shaping the future of oncology, with knowledge transfer playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and market-ready solutions. New Frontiers in Oncology: An Evolving Innovation Ecosystem…
A new study from the European Patent Office explores how innovation ecosystems are shaping the future of oncology, with knowledge transfer playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and market-ready solutions. New Frontiers in Oncology: An Evolving Innovation Ecosystem provides a…
The INNOV-8-2-CREATE project is proud to announce the publication of its comprehensive toolkit, marking the culmination of a dedicated effort to enhance Europe's innovation ecosystem. This milestone represents a key achievement in fostering a more connected, inclusive, and efficient environment for…
Learn about essential IP strategies for healthcare spin-outs, focusing on how tailored approaches for biotech, pharma, and digital health innovations can ensure long-term success. Join experts Sara…
The INNOV-8-2-CREATE Toolkit is designed to enable universities, innovation hubs, and stakeholders across Europe to replicate the pre-accelerator programme effectively. In addition to providing step-by-step guidance, templates, and examples, the toolkit ensures the programme's sustainability,…
ASTP is thrilled to invite the global knowledge transfer community to its 2025 Annual Conference, marking a significant milestone—25 years of growing the profession. This landmark event is scheduled for May 21–23, 2025, in the historic city of Vilnius, Lithuania. The journey continues in grand…
Starting from humble beginnings, China has emerged as the world's largest patent filer and is becoming an IP powerhouse. According to the WIPO's Global Innovation Index 2024, China ranks 11th of the…
Join us for an insightful webinar, tailored for professionals engaged in knowledge transfer, to delve into the European AI Act and its impact on the sector. The session will provide an in-depth…
Discover how the Technology Investor Score (TIS) identifies key investors for European innovators, bridging funding gaps and enhancing support for technology-driven startups. Explore public-private collaboration, scaling challenges, and actionable insights for growth.
Inteum Company is offering a unique opportunity to attend the ASTP 2025 Annual Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 21–23 May 2025. This scholarship is designed to support first-time attendees from organisations in the UK or EU with ASTP membership.
PraxisAuril, the UK's leading association for Knowledge Exchange (KE) professionals, will rebrand this December as Knowledge Exchange UK (KEUK), marking an exciting evolution that reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing knowledge exchange practices across the UK and beyond.
The Digital Innovations SIG webinar explores software compliance with open-source licensing, focusing on ensuring ownership and avoiding third-party rights conflicts. Discussions include the use,…
The EPO-IEA report reveals a sevenfold increase in grid-related patents since 2005, driven by innovations in smart grids, AI, and sustainability. Highlighting Europe’s leadership, it identifies challenges in expanding connections, enhancing flexibility, and ensuring cybersecurity, emphasising…
The WIPO Guide to Trade Secrets and Innovation highlights the strategic value of trade secrets in driving innovation and protecting confidential information. It provides an overview of trade secret systems, management practices, and their role in modern economies, offering insights for businesses,…
Explore ASTP's White Paper, endorsed by NAAC, “Catalysing Change: Exploring trends and strategies to enhance the spin-off process in Europe”. Learn strategies for innovation, knowledge transfer, and robust support systems to enhance research institutes' impact on competitiveness and development.
Tanja Kova?i? presents The Impact Fund of the University of Ljubljana – The HUD Fund. She highlights the fund’s role in enhancing social sciences, arts, and humanities research impact and…
Join Katrina Bradley and BioMedical SIG for a webinar on market access strategies in life sciences. Learn to plan, execute, and optimise early tech deployment.
Do you have the drive and vision to help ASTP further develop as the best members association for KTOs across Europe?
ASTP is launching a Spin-Off Special Interest Group (SIG) to support university and research spin-offs across Europe. Led by Florian Kirschenhofer from Max Planck Innovation, the SIG will be a platform for sharing best practices in start-up creation and support.
The 8th ASTP- EU Forum continues the dialogue between European knowledge transfer professionals and staff of the European Commission. At this free online event, participants have the opportunity to…
Nicoline Løvenskjold Guldsing presents Innovative SHAPE Developments in Denmark. She discusses the Danish SHAPE Taskforce’s collaborative strategy, new initiatives supporting SHAPE, and insights…
Mattia Ronchetti’s presentation focuses on EU and US regulatory frameworks for medical devices. It explores classification, clinical evaluation, and development plans, emphasising regulatory…
The 2022 handbook offers insights into city-university collaboration, developed through EUniverCities workshops (2019–2021). It highlights models, challenges, and benefits of partnerships, aiming to inspire European practitioners. This resource synthesises academic and municipal experiences into…
KT SoftSkills, an EU-funded project, is addressing a critical gap in the innovation ecosystem: the lack of soft skills training for knowledge transfer (KT) professionals. As the EU moves towards its Green Deal objectives and aims for climate neutrality by 2050, KT professionals—who connect…
As we are slowly moving from SSHA to SHAPE, it makes sense to dive deeper into the term’s origins. Starting with the most important detail, the term SHAPE stands for ‘Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy’. It was coined by Professor Julia Black, Warden of…
In this Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion SIG's webinar, speakers highlight how Knowledge Transfer Offices can drive change by fostering communication, work-life balance, and well-being, offering…
The conversation around mental health has been gaining momentum, but in the Knowledge Transfer (KT) sector, it often remains a taboo subject. The ASTP Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Special Interest Group (EDI SIG) is working to change that by shining a light on the importance of mental…
Explore the connection between mental and physical health in this primer by Becca Switzer. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and how embracing neurodiversity and mental health management can enhance quality of life and creativity.
Roberta Guerrina shares her experience on enhancing SHAPE research impact. She explores how combining spinouts, consultancy, and policy, including her work with EQUAL In-Sight, helps organisations…
Disruptive technologies and the future of innovation seem to increasingly rely on academic research. The role of universities in technology transfer—through licensing, research contracts, spin-out companies and collaborative projects—continues to grow. This is especially true in cutting-edge…
The EIT HEI Initiative Call for Proposals 2024 has a strong focus on enhancing the quality and competitiveness of European higher education. It will improve research and knowledge transfer from higher education and support business creation through strengthening collaboration between HEIs and…
The EU-funded project IMPAC3T-IP is leading an initiative to revolutionise IP licensing. By identifying gaps in current licensing tools and exploring new technological solutions, the project aims to create innovative tools for IP professionals. To achieve this, they are seeking input from those…
Sjaak Brinkkemper discusses entrepreneurship in ecosystems, focusing on the challenges of sustaining software companies. He examines key decisions in software production, including product…
The European Patent Office (EPO) will host an online event, Patents and Innovation in European Universities, on 22 October 2024. The event will explore how to drive innovation from university labs and examine key trends in European universities. Over 15 experts, including economists and university…
Matthias Versele, Executive Director of Drug Discovery at CD3-Cistim, discusses strategies for translational life sciences projects, from novel ideas to regulatory approval. He highlights how…
Julian Jantke's presentation, "Impact-at-Scale Pipeline in SHAPE," explores strategies for valorising research in social sciences, humanities, and related fields. It highlights tools like DLAS and…
This webinar provides an accurate yet delightful introduction and discussion of the key IP Rights related to the protection of software innovation. Maurits Westerik provides insights on how Software…
Navigating the multifaceted role of a KT Professional: Insights from LifeArc Fellows
The UKRI Glossary of EDI Terms provides clear definitions of key terms related to equality, diversity, and inclusion. It supports a shared understanding within the research and innovation community, fostering inclusive practices and communication by clarifying complex concepts and terminology in…
From September 2024 until May 2025 on the last Tuesday of the month, ASTP's BioMedical SIG invites you to participate in the new webinar series: 'From research and innovation to development: how to plan and execute translational projects in life sciences'.
IMPAC3T-IP is developing a toolkit comprising case studies, legal templates, and decision trees. Additionally, the project prioritises competence building, equipping knowledge transfer professionals with the skills needed to navigate these emerging challenges.
The Young Inventors Prize 2025, hosted by the European Patent Office (EPO), honours innovative minds aged 30 and under who are driving real-world impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Special Interest Group (SIGs) are exclusive communities of ASTP members. Join one, share knowledge and network with other KT professionals in your field.
Water scarcity and flood risk are intensifying across Europe due to climate change, impacting millions. In response, the European Patent Office (EPO) has spotlighted water-related innovation as a priority in 2024.
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