Building and accelerating knowledge transfer across Widening countries
For Europe to truly be competitive, gaps between innovation-intensive regions and those with less developed innovation ecosystems need to be addressed. Many universities and research organisations in Europe’s Widening countries produce quality research but continue to struggle to translate it into tangible economic and societal impact.
The challenge is also linked to limited staff capacity for knowledge transfer, limited support for collaboration beyond academia, low student and researcher engagement and the persistent issue of narrow metrics and weak incentives.
Practical tools for measurable change
Through a set of tools, curricula and policy recommendations, a new initiative, WINGS, will strengthen the capacities, skills and know-how of knowledge transfer and valorisation professionals in Widening countries.
Its activities will focus on:
Expert-led mentoring and capacity building
Curricula creation and supporting student and researcher education
Support for organisations to adopt and pilot knowledge and tech transfer services
Broader metrics and incentives
Together, these activities will enable research-performing organisations to professionalise their transfer offices, while strengthening stakeholder engagement and boosting their broader innovation ecosystems.
Rewarding broader impact
Key to sustaining this work is how universities and research organisations recognise and reward knowledge transfer. If success is solely measured through patents, licensing income and spin-offs, other valuable contributions risk being overlooked.
WINGS will support a broader approach that also recognises:
Societal benefit and engagement with civil society.
Uptake of research in policy and practice.
Collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Consideration of non-traditional assets produced through the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS).
The project will develop a toolkit of key performance indicators (KPIs), impact capture templates and guidance. Its policy recommendations will also address how KTO networks and innovation ecosystems in Widening countries can be strengthened and sustained.
About
The EU-funded project brings together 10 organisations from 10 European countries, combining practical experience with extensive networks and expertise.
Follow WINGS to learn more and stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
