Knowledge valorisation is evolving rapidly across Europe, bringing new challenges for knowledge transfer professionals, who increasingly operate in environments that need to be more collaborative, more interdisciplinary, and aim at broadened impact. This leads to increased complexity in the transfer models. Broadening of the transferable research outputs to embrace Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (SSAH), partnerships involving a growing diversity of actors, and expectations around increased societal impact, access, and responsible knowledge valorisation means that the knowledge transfer role continues to evolve.
To adapt to this changing landscape, knowledge valorisation and technology transfer professionals are rethinking and reshaping their practices.
The ASTP 2026 conference, held in May, was a prime example of the willingness to build, exchange, and learn collectively to face these challenges. ASTP, an IMPAC3T-IP partner, provides training, tools, and a network to support knowledge transfer professionals to turn research into real-world impact. The ASTP Annual Conference gathers knowledge and tech transfer professionals, research institutions or innovation support organisations. Held in Bucharest, Romania this year, the event brought together more than 350 participants from across Europe and highlighted several recurring themes and discussions:
Knowledge valorisation and tech transfer in flux
The role of KTOs/TTOs is evolving quickly, with actors adapting to changing models, the rise of AI, and increasing expectations around broadened impact and value creation. Discussions also focused on evolving practices in licensing, collaboration models, and innovation management across Europe.
A diversity of models across Europe
From the French SATTs to more decentralised knowledge and tech transfer models in Romania, to university-specific Knowledge Valorisation structures such as at the Eindhoven University of Technology, multiple KT/TT models coexist across Europe. Each comes with its strengths and limitations, leaving clear room for mutual learning, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices.
A major focus on AI
Artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout the discussions, particularly regarding its implications for day-to-day KT/TT work, its impact on EU-funded project proposals, and its broader impact on innovation and licensing practices. Several panels also addressed questions related to governance, ownership, and the impact of AI on IP and licensing practices. It is notable that AI is fully incorporated into the transversal digital tools in the IMPAC3T-IP toolbox , reflecting its recognised power to support and transform traditional KT processes.
Strong appetite for tools and training
KTOs/TTOs expressed strong interest in the IMPAC3T-IP Toolbox, with several participants already planning to integrate the tools into their institutional practices. More broadly, there is a clear demand for practical toolkits, training formats, case studies, actionable methodologies, and peer learning opportunities.
IMPAC3T-IP and its toolbox and Academy
IMPAC3T-IP was present throughout the three-day event. Lisa Cowey, IMPAC3T-IP technical coordinator and Sylwia Sekula-Neuner from project partner Atrineo, presented the IMPAC3T-IP Toolbox and its applications to licensing challenges in co-creation contexts during the “Ecosystem Insights” panel. This showcased a modern canvas approach to drafting consortium contracts and the use of AI for project auditing for assets. IMPAC3T-IP was also featured at an EU project stand throughout the conference, allowing participants to learn more about the tools and training opportunities.
Alongside the ASTP conference, IMPAC3T-IP held one of its Academy sessions, introducing professionals to the toolbox across three different scenarios: Classical Plus, which covers non-traditional assets with a particular focus on SHAPE and GLAM; Crisis, with a focus on equitable access and responsible licensing; Co-creation, in which results are developed and value created in complex, diverse and highly dynamic partnerships.
The Academy brought together participants from 13 European countries, including widening countries Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova and Turkey. Also represented were Egypt (fully associated with HORIZON EUROPE since 2025), Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Interested in joining the next session? Registration is still open for the remaining courses, taking place online on 19, 22, and 23 June and onsite on 17 June. Apply here.