Wissenstransfer

Wissenstransfer, or knowledge transfer, refers to the process of moving knowledge, know-how, and technologies from one organization or sector to another in order to create value. It encompasses exchanges between universities and industry, research institutes and businesses, and public bodies, as well as cross-border collaborations. The aim is to translate research findings and experiential knowledge into practical applications, products, services, or policies.

Transfer occurs through formal instruments such as licensing agreements, spin-offs, contract research, joint development projects, and public funding, as well as informal channels like training, secondments, professional networks, and communities of practice. Tacit knowledge, which is gained through experience, is often harder to codify than codified knowledge that can be documented and shared through manuals or digital platforms.

Key actors include universities and their technology transfer offices, research institutes, industry partners, start-ups, government agencies, and intermediary organizations such as science parks. Policy frameworks, intellectual property regimes, and funding schemes strongly influence opportunities for Wissenstransfer and the incentives to collaborate.

Impact is typically assessed with indicators such as licensing revenues, the formation of spin-outs, collaboration intensity, uptake of research in industry and public services, and regional or societal benefits. Evaluating transfer can be challenging due to long time horizons and attribution issues.

Common challenges include misaligned incentives, IP negotiations, cultural differences between academia and business, resource constraints, and varying regulatory environments. Effective transfer often requires supportive governance, absorptive capacity, and coordinated funding and stakeholder engagement.