Knowledge Transfer for Universities
Through knowledge transfer, discoveries can find an application in the wider world. There are various ways for universities and research institutions to ensure that knowledge transfer is more than just an afterthought.
Technology transfer concerns transfer of innovative solutions of problems that are protected by different intellectual property rights. Knowledge transfer is a broader term and covers other areas of research, including social sciences, as well as less formal transfer mechanisms.
There are various formal and informal channels through which knowledge may be transferred. Among the most frequently-used formal means of knowledge transfer are:
- licensing
- assignments
- collaboration contracts
- material transfer agreements
- sponsored research agreements
- consultancy agreements
- franchising and establishment of spin-off and start-up companies
The informal transfer of knowledge is becoming more and more important in the academic environment as the mobility of researchers and students is greatly contributing to the dissemination of knowledge worldwide. Knowledge can also be transferred through publications, teaching, conferences, courses, presentations, meetings and informal exchanges and personal contacts between scientists, academia and industry.
