Outcome of a Mutual Learning Exercise shows the need to better translate research results and scientific knowledge into societal benefits and inclusive growth.
“Knowledge valorisation aims to create social and economic value from knowledge by linking different areas and sectors and by transforming data, know-how and research results into sustainable products, services, solutions and knowledge-based policies that benefit society”. This definition originates from the EU Council Recommendation from 2 December 2022 on the guiding principles for knowledge valorisation, which is the common base for the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) that has been completed.
The findings of this exercise are available in a report (and summarised in a factsheet) that aims to assist EU Member States and associated countries to Horizon Europe in enhancing their knowledge valorisation policies and public support for knowledge uptake and deployment. The focus is on developing skills, intersectoral cooperation, and incentive systems to better translate research results into societal and economic value. This initiative is part of implementing the European Research Area (ERA) priorities, specifically following the Policy Agenda 2022-2024 and its action 7 to “Upgrade EU guidance for a better knowledge valorisation”. To build this guidance and create strong pillars of the valorisation policies, two Codes of practice on the management of intellectual assets and standardisation were adopted in 2023, and two others on industry-academia collaboration and citizen engagement in 2024 (see SwissCore article).
The report takes into account several paradigm shifts which should be considered in the design or re-design of national R&I strategies, such as, among others, the emphasis on societal and economical value creation, the shift from knowledge transfer to knowledge valorisation, or the shift from intellectual property to intellectual assets. Examples from different participating countries of the MLE were also presented as best practices for creating a Policy Toolbox.
Thus, this report offers a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at improving knowledge valorisation across the EU:
- Adopt a clear vision and a multi-annual strategic approach for knowledge valorisation, including addressing security issues and safeguarding European research & technology sovereignty.
- Ensure a conducive regulatory environment, boost dedicated funding, and innovate with participatory governance.
- Raise awareness and collective understanding of the key concepts behind knowledge valorisation, including intellectual assets management.
- Activate intensive multi-actor collaboration and networking and promote inclusiveness; make use of and support relevant intermediaries and multi-stakeholder networks.
- Foster entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial discovery skills, mindset, and culture, and stimulate open innovation schemes and public/private partnerships.
- Develop a comprehensive skills acquisition programme, including but not limited to intellectual assets management, business development, entrepreneurship, and standardisation.
- Provide incentives and rewards for motivated talents and organisations who engage in knowledge valorisation.
- Encourage standardisation efforts, promote sustainability models, and demand-side initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate, with a quantitative, qualitative, and process-driven perspective.
The reading of this report can be complemented by five thematic reports that have been elaborated during this MLE and which provide more details, information, practices, and recommendations on policy and legal context, governance and funding, research talent and skills, intermediaries, networks and processes, and intellectual assets management.
Ultimately, these recommendations aim to foster a culture and mindset that values knowledge valorisation, promoting systemic changes, and ensuring effective, impactful knowledge valorisation activities across the EU.