The missing link between guidance and practice in knowledge valorisation
Do you know Elena? She works in a small technology transfer team at a university.
She helps researchers think about what could happen with their work beyond the university: how it might be protected, developed, shared or put into practice. She has solid experience, but sometimes wonders whether she is doing her best. She knows there are plenty of resources and initiatives that could help her develop further, but finding the ones that fit her work—and making time to use them—is not always easy.
For a start, she needs a simple way to take stock of where she is, without having to know in advance what she might be missing. Imagine if she could answer a few questions about her work and receive a clearer picture of her strengths and possible gaps. The results could then point her towards learning materials, practical exercises or a mentor who could help with her next step.
This would give her a more focused way to develop her skills and apply what she learns in her daily work. It could also help her university improve the support it offers to researchers and their partners.
Why this matters in everyday work
Knowledge valorisation has become an important part of Europe’s research and innovation agenda. It is present in policy discussions, European projects, professional exchanges and the work of universities and research organisations. For some, knowledge valorisation is a formal responsibility. Others contribute to it through their work in different roles and institutional settings, without necessarily using the term.
As you may have guessed, Elena is a fictional character, but her situation reflects the experience of many professionals. Helping researchers consider how their work can be protected, developed, shared or put into practice is knowledge valorisation. So is building a partnership with industry, contributing to the development of standards, involving communities in research or helping evidence reach policymakers.
This broader understanding is also reflected in the changing role of technology transfer offices. Many are now referred to as knowledge and technology transfer offices because their work increasingly covers more broader spectrum than traditional intellectual property rights and commercialisation. They are expected to support different routes through which research can create value for the economy and society.
When thinking about resources and support available, there is already a great deal of activity in this area. European initiatives are developing guidance, toolboxes and training materials. Professionals are exchanging experiences, discussing new approaches and exploring how to translate policy documents into everyday operations so knowledge valorisation becomes more inclusive and effective.
The challenge is making this growing body of knowledge useful in practice.
A professional should be able to recognise what is relevant to their role, understand how it applies to their work and identify a realistic next step. This is not always easy. Someone new to the field may need a clear introduction. An experienced professional may want to build skills in an area they have not worked with before. A manager may need support to improve a service within their institution.
The subject may be the same, but the support required will differ.
This is why the journey through capacity building matters as much as the individual resource. Professionals may not know in advance which areas they need to develop. They need a way to reflect on their experience, identify possible gaps and find support that matches their situation. A short guide, a practical exercise, a training module or mentoring may each be useful at a different point.
The same applies at institutional level. Although knowledge valorisation is increasingly reflected in European and national policies and guidance, translating these principles into institutional practice remains a challenge. Learning has greater value when it can be translated into a new service, a clearer process, a practical template or a better way of working. Individual development can be the starting point, but institutional change allows the improvement to continue and benefit others.
The project behind this approach
This is the thinking behind Knowledge Valorisation to Everyone – KnowValTE, a new project that has recently started.
KnowValTE will build on existing resources, tools and initiatives, bringing them together in an open Knowledge Valorisation Hub. The materials will be connected to the main areas of knowledge valorisation pathways and linked to the relevant European guidance, giving professionals and institutions a clearer way to navigate what is available and find support that matches their role, experience and needs.
The project will also develop two self-assessment tools: one for individual professionals and one for knowledge and technology transfer offices or institutions. These tools will help users understand their current position, identify possible gaps and decide what to focus on next.
It will offer a range of formats, including short introductory materials, self-paced modules, hands-on exercises, train-the-trainer resources, peer learning and mentoring.
Institutions also need practical services that help them apply new approaches in their own work. KnowValTE will help them take that next step.
At institutional level, co-creation will be at the heart of developing new or improved services. These services will respond to real-world needs, be piloted in selected institutions and then made available to a wider audience.
Stay connected with KnowValTE
If you work in knowledge and technology transfer, research, industry, policymaking, standardisation, citizen engagement or a related field, register your interest in getting involved. You will receive updates about opportunities to contribute and take part in project activities.
The project will soon establish a Community of Practice where professionals and other stakeholders can share experiences and help shape resources and services that respond to real needs and you can be part of it from the very beginning.
Follow this link to stay in touch.
The partners behind KnowValTE
KnowValTE brings together eight organisations from across Europe. The project is coordinated by RISE Research and Innovation Services d.o.o. from Croatia and includes European Research and Project Office GmbH (EURICE) from Germany, the Association of European Science and Technology Transfer Professionals (ASTP) from the Netherlands, Fundació Centre d’Innovació i Tecnologia de la UPC (CIT UPC) from Spain, the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) from Belgium, Aarhus University from Denmark, the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) from Germany and Asociatia de Standardizare din Romania (ASRO) from Romania.
Together, the partners bring experience from across the knowledge valorisation landscape and connections to professionals, universities, research organisations, industry, policymakers, citizens and standardisation communities across Europe.