Countries indicated the main policy debates around government support to Knowledge exchange and co-creation in their response to the 2025 EC-OECD STIP survey (raw data included below in Annex A). A number of salient patterns can be identified from these responses:
Within the Knowledge exchange and co-creation policy area, the largest share of reported policies address three themes (Figure 1). Collaborative research and innovation is the one most recurrently addressed, gathering programmes that promote partnerships or other forms of collaborative projects between the public and private sectors. Secondly is the Commercialisation of public research results, which includes policies supporting the transfer of academic inventions via the sale, transfer or licensing of intellectual property, often on an exclusive basis, to existing firms or new ventures. The third most frequent theme is Cluster policies theme, including initiatives supporting thematic and/or place-based clusters (e.g. provision and implementation of networking infrastructures and financial support or incentives).
Figure 2 shows that science-industry policies have similar numbers of public research organisations, Firms and Private R&D labs as target groups. Besides research organisations and firms, individual public research actors are also frequently cited, i.e. Established researchers and Post-docs and other early-career researchers for their roles in knowledge transfer and commercialisation policies (see keywords by hovering the corresponding bars with the mouse). These actors, together with Entrepreneurs are also often addressed in academic spin-off policies. Several policies also target intermediaries, which support science-industry linkages, such as Incubators, accelerators, science parks and techno parks, Technology transfer offices and Industry associations.
Knowledge exchange and co-creation policies are delivered through a heterogeneous mix of policy instruments (Figure 3). Policies establish public-private Networking and collaborative platforms to promote regional or thematic innovation clusters. Grants are often allocated for firms or public research organisations, with science-industry collaboration as a requirement. Technology extension and business advisory services are frequently used to support knowledge transfer, research commercialisation and academic spin-offs. The figure also shows Intellectual property regulation and incentives is used with relatively high frequency (unlike in other policy areas). This instrument regulates and promotes the adoption of intellectual property (IP) rights and practices. It is often used by policies seeking to increase the capability of public research organisations to register and license IP.
Most initiatives within the Knowledge exchange and co-creation policy area reporting budget data with up to 20M EUR yearly expenditures (Figure 4). There is little meaningful variation in the keywords across the figure's different budget ranges. Notably, initiatives with yearly expenditures of 100M EUR or higher often address digitalisation and societal challenges. More information and analysis on initiatives addressing these challenges is available in the Research and innovation for society policy area.
Figure 5 shows that the Türkiye has reported the largest number of initiatives in this policy area, followed by Germany, Spain and Ireland. The chart shows only the number of policy initiatives reported by countries and gives no indication of their scale or scope. The figure should therefore be interpreted with care. Clicking on a given bar in the chart will bring you to the corresponding country dashboard for Knowledge exchange and co-creation policies.
Table 1 contains the answers provided by countries (and other entities) to the following question: Policy debates for Knowledge exchange and co-creation You may use the table's search box to filter the data by country or keyword. You may also dowload the data in Excel format.
Table 1. Policy debates in the Knowledge exchange and co-creation policy area
| Country | Response |
|---|---|
| Argentina | In Argentina, policy debates around knowledge exchange and co-creation are centred on overcoming persistent structural barriers that impede effective collaboration among academia, industry, government, and civil society. There is a significant ongoing discussion within government and academic institutions about how to balance the traditional focus on academic pursuits with an increased emphasis on applied research, innovation, and social impact. Additionally, there is a call for broader, more inclusive models of co-creation. These models should not only involve industry but also incorporate civil society and local governments. This approach is particularly crucial when addressing regional and socio-environmental challenges. Recent policy shifts, including the expansion of collaborative platforms and the adoption of mission-oriented R&D agendas in sectors such as health, energy, and food systems, demonstrate a growing consensus on the importance of fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. However, tensions still exist concerning the distribution of roles, responsibilities, and benefits among the stakeholders. |
| Armenia | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Australia | The main policy debates around knowledge exchange and co-creation in Australia focus on enhancing the integration of academia, industry, government, and society to foster innovation and drive national transformation. The 2024 National Science Statement presents a vision where science is pivotal in shaping Australia's future. It emphasises the necessity for collaborative ecosystems that encompass researchers, businesses, civil society, and international partners. A significant challenge lies in aligning incentives and governance structures to support sustained partnerships and shared outcomes. The Australian Government Department of Education underscores the importance of fostering university-industry collaboration through innovative course delivery and partnership models. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between research and its commercial or societal impact. The Australian Government Department of Education also engages government and civil society in knowledge exchange and co-creation through advisory frameworks and collaborative initiatives that support universities and education providers. For example, the Department promotes intercultural and community engagement through resources designed for international student support, fostering collaboration between education providers, local communities, and civil society organisations. These efforts aim to strengthen trust, enhance research integrity, and ensure that knowledge generated within the public education system is shared and co-developed with broader society. |
| Austria | Expanding the cooperation between science and industry is a key priority in the RTI Pact 2024-2026, supported by a diverse array of support measures. These measures are particularly focused on priority areas such as energy transition, mobility transition, circular economy, and climate neutrality in cities, aiming to bridge the gap between research and practical application. The support measures include specific research funding programmes targeting collaboration and transfer, such as the "Bridge" programme, collaborative R&D projects, and prototype funding. Institutional support is also significant; knowledge and technology transfer between universities, public research institutions, and industry are embedded in the public performance agreements that secure public financing. Austria also boasts specific flagship programmes like the Competence Center Programme "COMET" and the "Christian Doppler Laboratories (CD Labs)" to ensure effective science-industry knowledge transfer and sharing. Additionally, a broad range of services is provided by publicly funded support structures, including the national contact point for knowledge valorisation, the Austrian Patent Office, and Austrian Standards. Publicly supported and initiated science-industry networks, mostly formed as associations, play a crucial role in uniting key stakeholders from business, industry, academia, education, and labour organisations. Notable examples include the Platform Industry 4.0, the Austrian Society for Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics and Software Based Systems Austria ESBS. The federal RTI Strategy 2030 highlights the potential of spin-offs and aims to double the number of economically successful spin-offs by 2030. Performance agreements with universities have agreed on a 33% increase in spin-offs, and similar support is extended to applied or non-university research organisations through the Spin-off Fellowship funding scheme, which has been extended to 2026. Education and qualification in entrepreneurship and innovation are further supported by numerous programmes at universities, universities of applied sciences, and technical high schools or colleges (HTL). Transfer has also become increasingly important in fundamental research programmes. The Flagship "excellent=austria" focuses on basic research in essential technological strengths and combines these large cooperative research projects with significant knowledge transfer modules to facilitate knowledge valorisation in highly innovative high-technology areas. This initiative is supported by the aforementioned knowledge and technology transfer measures. |
| Belgium - Brussels Capital | The Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) is actively reshaping its innovation policy to strengthen knowledge exchange and co-creation among academia, industry, government, and civil society. The regional discourse emphasises translating research into local economic and societal benefits through closer "quadruple helix" collaboration. The current Regional Innovation Plan (2021–2027) focuses on strategic domains—from advanced digital technologies such as AI to circular economy, health, and social innovation—with special attention to high-potential deep-tech projects and scaling up social innovations. Stakeholders across the regional innovation ecosystem also highlight structural gaps in innovation infrastructure and the need for a stronger identity in key domains. In response, dedicated innovation hubs and pathways are being developed in related fields. For example, a new AI innovation hub will build on existing institutes, such as FARI and sustAIn.brussels, and university interfaces to foster knowledge transfer into the regional economy and community. Similarly, the Region plans a Circular Economy hub and a HealthTech cluster to stimulate ecosystem collaboration, while bolstering support for social innovators to help promising solutions achieve broader societal uptake. Across these initiatives, principles of responsible innovation and open science are increasingly promoted to ensure inclusive, challenge-driven innovation. Enhancing the region’s innovation image is part of this effort. Policymakers also acknowledge challenges and are debating shifts to improve the innovation ecosystem. Administrative complexity is being addressed by simplifying procedures. The role of public support is likewise under revision: the Region is strengthening innovation-oriented public procurement, launching pilot projects that connect private innovators with public-sector needs. |
| Belgium - Federal government | The policies on knowledge exchange and co-creation are increasingly managed within the scope of regional competencies. There has been a global emphasis on developing communities of practice (CoPs) across a broad spectrum of areas. This initiative is designed to enhance the awareness of a collaborative culture. To support this, a guide has been formalized specifically for coordinators, aiming to provide practical assistance in establishing a CoP. |
| Belgium - Flanders | The Flemish Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation, and Social Economy has initiated a strategic dialogue involving stakeholders from various sectors, including five universities, thirteen universities of applied sciences and arts, four strategic research centres, six Flemish Scientific Institutions, and other scientific institutions in Flanders. Industry representatives such as VOKA, UNIZO, and Agoria, along with VARIO, FWO, and VLAIO, are also participating. This dialogue is supported by a system analysis of R&D&I and the 2024 expenditure review on Flemish productivity policy. It forms part of a broader agenda aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness through overarching and sector-specific agendas that focus on knowledge development, innovation, valorisation, and simplification. This process fosters mutual commitments between public and private actors. A key priority for this legislative term is the valorisation of research, development, and innovation (R&D&I), ensuring that investments translate into economic benefits. A spending review is planned to explore the valorisation of publicly funded research at universities and universities of applied sciences and arts, to benefit the Flemish economy. Several concrete actions are planned to enhance valorisation. These include: • Increasing valorisation efforts within the strategic research centres and fostering collaboration between them and Flemish companies, especially SMEs • Maximizing the socio-economic and valorization impact of the Einstein Telescope through integration with academia, industry, and society. • Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and businesses throughout all research phases, embedding valorisation as a fundamental aspect of institutional culture alongside research excellence. • Developing a Flemish valorisation strategy to strengthen the link between research, innovation, and economic growth. |
| Belgium - Wallonia | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Belgium - Wallonia-Brussels Federation | Supporting the careers of PhD holders beyond academia is essential. It's not just about academia; the non-academic world, including the industrial sector, offers a wealth of opportunities for these highly qualified individuals. Early-career researchers require appropriate mentoring to gain awareness of these professional opportunities outside academic institutions. Furthermore, it's vital to ensure they are equipped with the most suitable skills to thrive in varied professional environments. The Research Career Observatory provides a more detailed understanding of the career paths of our researchers and what the public and private sectors expect of PhD graduates. This insight is crucial for tailoring support programmes that effectively bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs. |
| Brazil | Current policy discussions on Brazil's national policy for science-industry knowledge transfer and sharing focus on three main areas: refining the intellectual property framework, strengthening science-industry links, and talent availability. Refining the Intellectual Property Framework: The National Strategy for Intellectual Property, adopted in 2020, was a collaborative effort involving various public bodies, agencies, and key stakeholders. The strategy outlines seven strategic pillars, each with defined objectives and structural plans. Implementation of this strategy is scheduled from 2021 to 2030. Strengthening Science-Industry Links: There is a recognised need for deeper integration between Brazil's public research system and the private sector, particularly in aligning more closely with the latter's needs and opportunities. An increase in interactions, collaborations, and partnerships between the public research system and the private sector is essential. The new legal framework for R&D and innovation, adopted in 2018, introduces a range of instruments designed to encourage public-private partnerships with the aim of developing joint research projects. Talent Availability: This discussion centres on whether Brazil has the necessary talent to realise its potential for business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship. It focuses on how the public education sector and the research system can better nurture and develop such talent. This includes embedding the necessary innovation and entrepreneurship skills and promoting specialisation in priority scientific areas. |
| Bulgaria | Bulgaria’s current policy framework for knowledge exchange and co-creation (valorisation) is undergoing significant transformation, with a strong institutional push toward building an integrated and effective system linking academia, industry, government, and society. Central to this is the new Law on the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation, now in force, which provides a legal foundation for enhancing national scientific capacity and aligning research efforts with strategic priorities, including regional development and competitiveness. A key element of the policy debate focuses on technology transfer. The state, through the National Innovation Fund, will finance two main areas: the operational costs of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and the implementation of their technology transfer activities. This aims to address long-standing concerns over underfunded and fragmented valorisation efforts. The law introduces performance-based governance for TTOs, mandating oversight by a designated head and linking their performance to clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as contracts with industry, patent filings, private investment attracted, and IP management. In addition, Priority Direction 2 of the new Programme for Research, Innovation, and Digitisation for Smart Specialisation focuses on developing a national system for technology and knowledge transfer. It seeks to create a national model based on existing and planned TTOs under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPVU), and includes establishing a national coordination centre. This centre will serve as a hub for collaboration, consultation, and training, offering specialized support in regions or sectors where dedicated TTOs are lacking. While ensuring autonomy for individual TTOs, the centre will foster synergy and serve as a central point of interaction between research institutions and businesses. |
| Canada | One key area of debate in the knowledge exchange and co-creation sphere revolves around achieving a balance between the rights of knowledge creators, the opportunities for knowledge users, and the broader benefits to Canada. In 2023, the Government of Canada undertook a Strategic Intellectual Property (IP) Program Review. This review invited input from Canadian post-secondary and research institutions, business owners and advisors, researchers, and IP professionals. They shared their views on existing programs and discussed how intellectual property can be better integrated into the design and administration of federal innovation and science programs. Specifically, challenges highlighted included limited coordination between IP initiatives in Canada, gaps in the copyright regime, and the high cost of innovation, among others. On co-creation, flagship initiatives such as the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched by the Government of Canada and coordinated by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), have promoted collaboration among universities, industries, and government bodies to co-create advances in emerging technology innovation. In particular, three national AI institutes that have received funding under the strategy are helping to translate research in artificial intelligence into commercial applications and growing the capacity of businesses to adopt these new technologies. Another significant topic of discussion is the improvement of linkages within the innovation ecosystem to effectively mobilize knowledge and translate research into commercial opportunities. Researchers often encounter barriers that limit the market viability of their work, including challenges in accessing resources to support their investment in, and protection of, intangible assets such as intellectual property rights that result from R&D. In response, the 2022 federal budget allocated funding to launch a national lab-to-market platform. This initiative helps graduate students and researchers bring their work to market. Lab to Market grants are designed to equip researchers and highly qualified personnel with essential tools, resources, and knowledge to transform their academic research into innovations ready for a variety of organizations from all sectors, including private, public, not-for-profit, and health services sectors. These grants aim to nurture commercialization and social innovation capabilities within the academic community, foster entrepreneurial skills in the early stages of the commercialization and knowledge mobilization processes, and make training and services widely available beyond immediate networks to a diverse range of researchers and highly qualified personnel within the Canadian post-secondary landscape. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada administers the program in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. On the international front, Canada has made significant strides to enable Canadian researchers and entities to better collaborate with their global counterparts across sectors. In July 2024, Canada became an associated country to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research and innovation funding program. This association allows Canadian researchers and innovators to participate in the program’s cutting-edge research and innovation projects and showcase their expertise on similar terms to the EU Member States’ entities. Since the association, Canada’s participation in the program has increased sharply, leading to enhanced international collaboration and networking for addressing global challenges, and potentially leading to the commercialization of tangible solutions. Furthermore, in 2024-2025, Canada served as co-chair (alongside Germany) of Eureka, the world's largest international network for industrial R&D collaboration. Since joining Eureka in 2012, Canada’s National Research Council has enabled more than 300 Canadian participants in co-innovation projects, involving partners from more than 35 countries with an estimated project value of CAD $800 million. |
| Chile | In Chile, political debates on the policy of knowledge exchange and co-creation, also known as knowledge valorisation, have intensified in recent years. This reflects a growing concern about the disconnection between academia, the productive sector, government, and society. A central axis of the discussion is the shift from a system predominantly oriented towards scientific production to one that also prioritises the transfer, use, and social appropriation of knowledge. Various actors, including parliamentarians, sectoral ministries, universities, business associations, and civil society organisations, have put forward divergent positions regarding the necessary incentives, governance mechanisms, and regulations for effective and sustainable collaboration between these sectors. An emerging position, particularly promoted by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation and the Ministry of Economy, advocates for strengthening territorial innovation ecosystems through quadruple helix models. This includes the consolidation of technology transfer offices (TTOs) in universities and the creation of collaborative consortia with a sectoral or regional focus. However, the debate persists on the limits of the role of the State in this articulation. While some propose more directive instruments and specific competitive funds for collaborative projects, others warn of the risk of bureaucratization and advocate for more horizontal and decentralised solutions, with a strong role for the regions and intermediate actors such as technology centres and trade associations. Another topic under discussion is how to promote a legal and regulatory framework that facilitates the shared use of knowledge, the management of intellectual property in projects financed with public funds, and the integration of social and environmental impact criteria in the evaluation of R&D projects. In this regard, the need to modernise laws on innovation and technology transfer, improve incentives for the participation of researchers in outreach activities, and generate instruments that recognise and value co-creation practices with local communities and end users are discussed. These discussions reflect a progressive change towards a more inclusive, applied, and transformative vision of knowledge in Chile. |
| China | The lack of linkage between economic development and scientific and technological innovation has been a significant issue in China, impeding the efficiency of innovation. A key factor contributing to this problem is the low rate of transfer of scientific and technological achievements. To address this, the Chinese government has enacted the Law on Promoting the Transfer of Scientific and Technological Achievements along with the Several Provisions on Implementing the Law of the People's Republic of China on Promoting the Transfer of Scientific and Technological Achievements. These laws support universities, research institutes, and scientists in transferring their achievements and mandate that no less than 50% of the net income from the transfer or licensing of these achievements be rewarded to the originators. Furthermore, the government has established a national technology transfer system and developed a technology trading market. It has also accelerated the development and construction of various platforms for concept verification, pilot verification, and technology and innovation support centres. Additionally, there has been a focus on fostering a team of technology managers. In terms of enhancing the mobility of scientific researchers from universities and research institutes, the government has implemented policies that encourage these researchers to engage in part-time work in enterprises or to start their own businesses. An effective initiative in this regard is the Technology Transfer Force (TTF), which involves selecting technically capable researchers from universities and research institutes to provide agricultural technical services to farmers. This initiative has significantly improved the technical application capabilities of farmers and spurred agricultural development. |
| Costa Rica | In Costa Rica, policy debates around knowledge exchange and co-creation focus on bridging the gap between scientific research and its practical application in the productive sector. A significant challenge is the limited institutionalization of collaboration mechanisms, such as university-industry joint research programs, innovation clusters, or technology transfer platforms. Public universities are the primary producers of research, yet engagement with the private sector, particularly SMEs, is infrequent. To strengthen collaboration between academia and the private sector—particularly SMEs—stakeholders are focusing on enhancing awareness, building trust, and improving firms' capacity to absorb innovation. As part of this effort, current discussions are exploring how to reform public research funding and governance models to promote co-creation, facilitate applied research partnerships, and ensure stronger alignment between research outcomes and national development goals. These discussions are laying the groundwork for a more connected and demand-driven innovation ecosystem. Another central aspect of the debate involves enhancing intermediary structures and policy instruments that support knowledge valorization, —understood as the process of translating research results into socio-economic value through mechanisms such as technology transfer, spin-offs, patents, public-private research collaborations, and the development of innovation-driven solutions that address national challenges. Strengthening these pathways is seen as essential for maximizing the impact of public research and fostering a more dynamic, results-oriented innovation ecosystem. |
| Croatia | Very significant strides have been made in enhancing knowledge exchange since 2021, particularly with the implementation of the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (NPRR). The enhancement in knowledge exchange primarily refers to collaboration between the research and business sectors. It also includes interactions among researchers and scientists themselves, incorporating principles of open science, and extends to collaborations involving governmental and non-governmental sectors. Furthermore, since 2021, extensive support has been provided to strengthen technology transfer practices in Croatia. Actions such as the publication of national guidelines for technology and knowledge transfer by Ministry of Science, Education and Youth (MSEY), the creation of a functional technology transfer ecosystem brochure, and templates for technology transfer offices have boosted the technology transfer ecosystem. Capacity-building workshops for technology transfer offices were held, and a technology transfer network was established. Additionally, knowledge and technology transfer activities have been extensively encouraged in funding opportunities. These are abundantly included in grant programs provided by MSEY such as the proof of concept program, technology transfer fund, technology transfer program, technology scouting program, and the technology transfer office program. These programs, worth around 200 million euros, include some that are yet to be implemented. The business sector's expenditure on research and development (BERD) in Croatia increased from 0.4% of GDP in 2013 to 0.76% of GDP in 2023, according to preliminary data. However, this figure remains significantly below the EU average of 1.50% of GDP. As a result, numerous initiatives have been continuously implemented to stimulate and intensify private RDI in Croatia. Some of them are for example tax relief for R&D projects costs as prescribed by the Act on state aid for research and development projects and programs like ‘Increasing the development of new products and services resulting from research and development activities’, ‘Commercialization of innovations’, ‘Innovation vouchers for SMEs’, ‘Digitalization vouchers’, ‘Grant support for newly established companies’, ‘Helping companies build sustainable and resilient systems and processes through process and business organization innovation and employee training for the implementation of new business models (Innovations in S3 areas)’ etc. Many of them were implemented in previous period and continue to be financed in period 2021-2027. Once businesses recognize the full potential of RDI and become stronger RDI players, they will engage more frequently with the research community. Most knowledge creation is concentrated in the research sector, but collaboration between science and industry is growing. Strengthening collaboration between public researchers and other stakeholders has been integrated into main national strategies concerning STI policy; these include the National Development Strategy 2030, National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026, Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021-2027, and S3 2029. |
| Cyprus | Part of the National Strategy for Research and Innovation 2024-2026 focuses on enhancing knowledge transfer, ensuring that innovative ideas generated within universities and research institutions can be transformed into marketable products and services. Efforts are being made to bridge the gap between research and marketable products or services. Key issues under discussion include improving technology transfer processes, providing relevant support for startups and innovative companies, creating incentives for researchers to engage in entrepreneurial activities, and creating a more streamlined path for researchers to commercialize their findings. This strategy aims to foster a robust link between academic research and market applications and facilitate the successful commercialization of innovative ideas developed within academic and research institutions. Access to publicly-funded research infrastructures and laboratories is expected to facilitate this goal. Policymakers, in collaboration with research performing organizations and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), are working to make these resources more accessible to the research and innovation ecosystem, particularly to industry and businesses. This effort includes implementing transparent access policies that will allow businesses and startups to benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities, thus fostering stronger science-business cooperation. Policymakers and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) are also exploring ways to strengthen partnerships between universities, research organizations, and businesses. This collaboration ensures that companies can benefit from cutting-edge research, enhancing their innovation capacity. The RIF has established a central Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) that operates as a central 'Hub' connected to local units ('Spokes') within stakeholder organizations. The KTO provides knowledge transfer support to academic and research institutions in Cyprus and to knowledge-intensive SMEs and startups. It aims to support the effective management of their intellectual property (IP) and promote them through national and international channels to potential technology buyers. There is also an ongoing review process aimed at amending the legal framework for the creation of spin-offs by public universities in Cyprus. Policymakers are debating how to create a more supportive regulatory environment that allows academic researchers to establish spin-off companies without facing excessive barriers. This includes clarifying intellectual property ownership, defining clear revenue-sharing models, and establishing guidelines for university involvement in spin-offs. The framework, which has been a subject of ongoing discussions among policymakers, universities, and stakeholders, was recently approved by the Council of Ministers and submitted to the House of Representatives for approval. |
| Czechia | The Office of the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation applied for the Policy Support Facility of the European Commission in December 2023, aiming to reform the "technology transfer offices" (TTOs) sector in the Czech Republic. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance technology transfer (TT) and knowledge valorisation practices within the Czech research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) environment. The primary challenge is to establish an effective institutional framework for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) that aligns with the needs of the Czech technology transfer ecosystem. Currently, there are 39 TTOs in the Czech Republic, primarily located within universities, research institutes of the CAS, and other research organisations. Their development dates back to the EU Phare pre-accession programme in the 1990s, which included a pilot project leading to the creation of a technological innovation centre at the CTU Prague. Subsequent TTOs were established with the support of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3) of the Czech Republic 2021-2027, a subordinate document of the National Research, Development, and Innovation Policy of the Czech Republic 2021+, was approved by the Czech government on January 25, 2021. The updated Annexes 1-3 of the National RIS3 Strategy (Version 5), approved in December 2023, include research and innovation topics related to strategic technologies. The strategy is currently being successfully implemented. The Czech R&D system is also supported by 14 regional innovation centres, established by regional authorities, associations, cities, and universities. These centres play a crucial role in implementing the national smart specialisation strategy (RIS3) and the regional RIS3 strategies. Their focus varies, with some centres dedicated to developing the regional innovation ecosystem, while others concentrate on regional economic transformation or on sectors like spatial planning, transport, environment, and cultural development. However, the Czech R&D system is currently plagued by fragmentation and a lack of clear responsibility for knowledge transfer policy. The mandate for knowledge transfer is divided among the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the MIT, and the Office of the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. The Council for Research, Development and Innovation serves as the coordinating body for monitoring and controlling the implementation of the national R&D&I policy. This excessive division of responsibilities is considered a significant barrier to the effective implementation of knowledge transfer policies. A major reform is scheduled to commence in 2024 to address these issues and foster a better knowledge economy. It starts with the drafting of a new law to clarify roles, mandates, and objectives in knowledge transfer, explicitly establishing it as a primary function of Czech research organisations. The reform also anticipates changes to existing higher education laws and standards. Importantly, the reform recognises the business sector as the driving force for change, acknowledging that innovation is essential for its development. Consequently, the reform will also introduce various forms of tax incentives for R&D companies. To further improve support for cooperation between research organisations and businesses, it is essential to strengthen the position of cooperative research. In cooperative research, research organisations collaborate with businesses from the initial concept to joint market application, and funding can come from private sources, state contributions, or a combination of both. |
| Denmark | The policy debate in Denmark focuses on establishing effective connections between the robust research-based knowledge system and its practical application in business and society. One key area of focus is on "roles and collaboration", which aims to support a knowledge-based innovation system where diverse stakeholders work together closely to achieve common goals. This is exemplified by the public Danish Cluster Programme 2021-24, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science along with the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. This programme supports 13 national clusters that leverage the strengths of both the scientific and business communities. A new Cluster Programme set to commence in 2025 is currently in development. Another significant area of emphasis is facilitating the transfer of knowledge from academia to industry. The Danish government's Entrepreneurship Strategy, set to launch in 2024, aims to enhance knowledge exchange and co-creation. This strategy includes initiatives such as allocating funds directly to university innovation initiatives to support entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of research at universities. Additionally, it aims to create a more flexible system for knowledge and technology transfer from universities to businesses, thereby increasing the potential for collaboration between these entities. |
| Egypt | Egypt is making confident strides toward establishing a scientific and innovation system in line with its national goals. This is within the framework of Egypt Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation, which seek to transform scientific research into real economic and societal value. In this context, increasing efforts are emerging to bridge the gap between academia and industry by developing collaboration mechanisms and enhancing institutional incentives. Policymakers and research institutions are engaged in a constructive dialogue about restructuring institutional governance and incentive mechanisms to support applied research, technology transfer, and the commercialization of research outputs. Although data from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research indicates that less than 10% of university and research center outputs translate into industrial partnerships or patents, this reality is viewed as an opportunity to develop and build on existing successes and develop ambitious policies to improve the system for maximizing the economic value of knowledge. The research and innovation landscape in Egypt is also witnessing an increasing focus on activating the role of technology transfer offices within universities and strengthening innovation clusters that bring together government, academia, and industry. The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology's "Knowledge and Technology Alliances" model is an encouraging example of how to design joint research and development projects that support national development. In light of this positive momentum, policies are moving toward more flexible models that respond to societal demand, with growing calls for more independent regional innovation systems. Despite implementation challenges, these discussions reflect an ambitious reform spirit that establishes an integrated national innovation system capable of leading Egypt toward a knowledge-based economy and technological excellence. |
| Estonia | One prominent discussion in the realm of government support for business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship centres on enhancing the link between research and economic development. Prime Minister Kristen Michal has highlighted the urgency for research results to be swiftly transferred to businesses to enhance productivity and export performance. The Research and Development Council (RDC) has been tasked with proposing concrete measures to bridge the gap between research institutions and the business sector, ensuring that innovation drives economic growth. Recent years have also witnessed efforts to strengthen knowledge transfer and enhance the economic impact of public research. A significant development in this area was the launch of Estonia's first Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) in 2024 to support business-sector R&D. Concurrently, the government's renewed focus on valorisation is evident in the restructuring of the Prime Minister–chaired Research and Development Council into the Research and Innovation Policy Council, integrating both research and innovation policy perspectives. Furthermore, knowledge exchange activities are often hampered by regulatory and administrative barriers. The restrictive application of state aid rules, constraints imposed by anti-corruption legislation, and low awareness of intellectual property utilisation limit the impact of various support measures launched by the government. However, there is a strengthening political will to address these barriers. There is an emerging consensus to reduce regulatory obstacles and enhance clarity around intellectual property management to better support valorisation efforts. A clear sign of the government's renewed focus on knowledge transfer is the reform of the Research and Development Council, chaired by the Prime Minister. In its new composition, the Council includes a significant number of researchers who have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. This aims to better integrate practical experience into strategic STI policy discussions and foster a stronger culture of knowledge valorisation. |
| European Union | Maximising the socio-economic benefits of research results and innovative technologies is essential for the EU to face the current challenges linked to a sustainable recovery and to a transition towards a more resilient, green, and digital Europe in a transforming global environment. Knowledge valorisation, which includes all actors from the research and innovation ecosystem and all types of intellectual assets, has a broader scope than knowledge transfer, which mainly focuses on technology and commercialisation. The European Research Area Policy Agenda for 2022-2024 includes an action to 'Upgrade EU guidance for better knowledge valorisation'. This action has proven to be one of the most successful in terms of implementation and delivery, with EU Member States taking policy initiatives to enhance knowledge valorisation in their national and regional contexts. The Commission has stepped up efforts to promote enhanced knowledge valorisation through the adoption of the Council Recommendation on the Guiding Principles for Knowledge Valorisation adopted on 2 December 2022. The guiding principles are further supported by codes of practice co-created with stakeholders to provide more detailed guidance on the implementation of certain areas of knowledge valorisation. The Commission adopted four codes of practice in the form of recommendations on the management of intellectual assets and standardisation (both on 1st March 2023), and on industry-academia co-creation and citizens' engagement (both on 1st March 2024). An awareness-raising campaign was kicked off in 2023 with visits to all EU capitals, which is still ongoing. The aim of the campaign is to bolster the message on knowledge valorisation and to give the opportunity to Member States to present their national policies and plans on the subject. Currently, knowledge valorisation is one of the structural actions included in the next ERA policy agenda 2025-2027, identified as a challenge by all Member States. Concrete actions are being proposed for the next period, such as strengthening the knowledge valorisation intermediaries, valorising non-technological research results, delivering a comprehensive framework to measure knowledge valorisation, and examining socially responsible licensing schemes. In parallel, knowledge valorisation is a key part of the upcoming startup and scaleup strategy of the Commission, with key actions on the management of intellectual assets, access to knowledge and finance, and standardisation. Although knowledge valorisation is not described in the Horizon Europe Framework Programme as such, it comes as a response to the final evaluation of H2020 and the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe, where the need for more uptake and valorisation of R&I results becomes pressing. In this respect, next to the numerous services provided to Horizon Europe beneficiaries to manage, control, and exploit their R&I results, there are initiatives that address key aspects of knowledge valorisation for society and the economy such as industry-academia collaboration, stronger and better management of intellectual assets and their potential market and societal uptake, co-creation and testing with cities and local communities, as well as standardisation. Lastly, knowledge valorisation becomes a key driver for the deployment of research and innovation results under the future R&I Framework Programmes with concrete obligations for beneficiaries, but also a full-fledged mechanism of funding and support for valorisation. |
| Finland | Finland's objective is to increase research and development (R&D) expenditure to 4% of GDP by 2030. This long-term commitment is supported by the 2022 Act on R&D Funding, which ensures a gradual, legally mandated increase in public R&D funding and creates a more predictable investment environment. In parallel, Finland continues to strengthen science–industry collaboration and the broader exchange of knowledge through joint initiatives, skills development, and new platforms for co-creation. A permanent R&D tax incentive, introduced in 2024, complements direct funding schemes and lowers barriers for private sector involvement, particularly for SMEs. To address structural gaps in the Finnish RDI system, recent reforms have focused on improving coordination and incentives across public-private partnerships (PPPs). The decline in academia–industry cooperation during the previous decade has been actively countered through new funding instruments. These include Business Finland’s co-creation and co-innovation models, Lead Company programs, Research Council of Finland’s Flagship and Proof of Concept instruments, as well as the Research Impact Foundation’s Tandem Industry Academia (TIA) programme. These initiatives help de-risk early-stage collaboration and promote the translation of academic knowledge into economically and societally valuable applications. The evolving PPP landscape now relies on more flexible, inclusive, and impact-oriented approaches, with growing expectations for shared agenda-setting, outcome-driven collaboration, and systematic follow-up on co-created results. Despite these positive developments, Finland continues to face systemic challenges. The scarcity of highly educated talent remains one of the most severe in the OECD, with negative impacts on firms' ability to expand R&D and collaborate with research institutions. This bottleneck is particularly visible in knowledge-intensive sectors, and solutions are being sought through improved talent attraction, retention, and reskilling policies. At the same time, the fragmentation of knowledge valorisation support services and the incentives for researchers to engage in commercialisation or societal interaction remain under policy scrutiny. Enhancing knowledge valorisation has become a focal point in national and EU-level policy discussions. Finland is aligning its approach with the Council Recommendation on the Guiding Principles for Knowledge Valorisation, aiming to strengthen mechanisms for the uptake of research results by companies, policymakers, and other societal actors. Current policy debates emphasize the need to modernise institutional incentive structures, increase mission-driven PPP models, and ensure that valorisation covers not only commercialisation but also broader societal impact. The National IPR Strategy, launched in 2022, is being implemented through targeted capacity-building actions and legislative reviews. The vision for 2030 is to ensure an efficient and transparent IPR environment that supports innovation, creative work, and sustainable competitiveness. In this context, universities and research-performing organisations are expected to play a more active role in managing and utilising intellectual property arising from public R&D funding. |
| France | The Research Programming Law for the years 2021 to 2030 (Law No. 2020-1674 of 24 December 2020) aims to enhance public-private cooperation through various initiatives, including shared laboratories, public-private PhD schemes, and industry-backed research chairs. This law represents a significant commitment to fostering environments where knowledge exchange and co-creation can thrive. Additionally, the 'France 2030' Programme supports innovation ecosystems by providing direct financial support to technology transfer offices and fostering business creation and growth. This support is facilitated through dedicated grant schemes and investments in venture funds. The programme builds on the successes of previous initiatives, such as the "Programme Investissements d'Avenir" (PIA), which has significantly increased the budget for technology transfer and startup creation since 2010. These financial measures are complemented by regulations targeting intellectual property (IP) management and human resource mobility. National authorities recognise these two aspects as crucial for improving knowledge exchange and co-creation. Together, these strategies form a robust framework for enhancing the collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises, crucial for driving innovation and technological advancement. |
| Georgia | Current debates are centered on enhancing Georgia's alignment with European Union strategies for knowledge co-creation and valorisation. There is a particular focus on utilizing instruments from “Horizon Europe” program, such as partnerships, missions, and initiatives from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). These tools are aimed at bolstering collaboration among research entities, industry, and civil society. Additionally, there is a discussion on the capacity-building requirements necessary for researchers and institutions. The Horizon Europe National Office of Georgia regularly organizes informational events and university visits featuring a range of activities. In addition, National Contact Points (NCPs) consistently provide both group and individual consultations. Among its flagship initiatives are the annual Proposal Writing Camp and the AI Proposal Writing Bootcamp. These efforts aim to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem in Georgia by building the capacity of researchers, project managers, and institutions to successfully engage with Horizon Europe opportunities. Through targeted trainings, expert-led workshops, and ongoing support, the National Office plays a key role in fostering international collaboration and enhancing the competitiveness of Georgian research proposals on the European stage. These enhancements will enable them to participate more effectively in collaborative projects funded by Horizon and to increase their involvement in knowledge valorisation activities supported under the European Research Area. The Law of Georgia on Science, Technology and their Development forms a legal basis for state policy that is a precondition for the intellectual and technological progress and welfare of the country. The state recognizes that scientific and technological progress is one of the main factors for social development, improvement of the public welfare and for the self-enrichment of people, and that it facilitates the manifestation of intellectual capabilities and economic development of the country. Activities in the field of development of science and technology include fundamental and applied research and its development plan, application of outcomes, improvement of current technologies and equipment in order to raise the production level and produce competitive products. To enhance collaboration in research, technology and innovation, the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti” works closely with major stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth (MoESY), Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG)- an Agency under the umbrella of MoESY, Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA). These institutions promote scientific knowledge dissemination, foster innovation, and support public engagement in research. As part of these efforts, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2023 between Sakpatenti, GITA, SRNSFG, the National Statistics Office of Georgia (GEOSTAT), “Enterprise Georgia” and “Creative Georgia.” This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation among national innovation stakeholders, promote the integration of intellectual property into innovation policies, foster networking opportunities for researchers, businesses, and policymakers; Support the commercialization of scientific research and technology transfer. SRNSFG is implementing various grant competitions, including those for applied research. Applied Research grant scheme aims to discover applied research potential in Georgia and provide funding for innovative research projects. Special emphasis is put on innovative project proposals, that potentially results in high quality products demanded on local and international markets and that provide solutions within technology development processes. By identifying and utilizing each region’s special strengths and potential, the „Smart Specialization” practice aims to increase economic growth and competitiveness. The aforementioned comprises bottom-to-top development efforts as well as additional synergy, in which stakeholders collaborate to identify the region’s growth factors, assets and resources, opportunities, and challenges. Based on expert research, the “2024-2030 EU Smart Specialisation (S3) for Imereti Region” strategic document was prepared. Georgia began implementing measures to apply one of the advanced platforms of EU cohesion policy – “Smart Specialisation” (S3) in the process of regional development. Imereti, Georgia’s statistical and economic-geographical planning region, was chosen as a pilot region for this initiative Within this evolving landscape, the Horizon Europe National Office contributes by encouraging engagement in EU-funded projects that prioritize co-creation and multi-actor approaches. Through trainings, consultations, and stakeholder outreach, the office promotes awareness of Horizon Europe’s valorisation principles and supports the integration of knowledge exchange strategies into project design and implementation. |
| Germany | The collaboration of different stakeholders and the integration of different perspectives and competences in the development of innovative solutions are essential for consolidating Germany’s capacity to innovate. In order to support innovative ideas for transfer projects in the various regions of Germany, the funding initiative DATIpilot was launched in 2023 giving higher education entities, research organisations and different actors from industry, civil society and local administrations the opportunity to jointly develop application-oriented research projects. Given the success of DATIpilot, the Federal Government plans to integrate it under the umbrella initiative called "Initiative Forschung & Anwendung” (see 3.1). Since social innovations are essential in tackling societal challenges, such as climate change and an ageing population, the Federal Government adopted the National Strategy for Social Innovations and Social Enterprises (SIGU) in 2023 in order to remove structural roadblocks, improve general conditions and appropriately align innovation funding for social innovations and enterprises. Furthermore, it will continue to finance social innovations by using money from dormant accounts in a revolving fund established for this purpose. Cities, communities and regions play a decisive role in implementing innovative solutions and successfully transforming business and society. In order to develop new solutions with scale-up potential and to improve the conditions for the emergence and application of social and technological innovations, the Federal Government is funding cross-sectoral research in cities, municipalities and functionally connected areas through the Transformation Initiative “Stadt-Land-Zukunft”. Moreover, the Clusters4Future initiative brings together all stakeholders involved in the development of new value chains — including research, industry, and civil society — to rapidly translate research results into practical applications based on joint innovation strategies. In the interests of fostering a vibrant culture of participation, the Federal Government continues its efforts to increase the involvement of citizens in research and research policy. To this end, the Strategy for Participation in Research was launched in 2023, with the aim of improving the framework conditions for societal participation in research and research policy, and developing innovative participation formats. In order to enhance the exchange of ideas between science and society, thereby facilitating the effective contribution of scientific findings to addressing societal challenges, the Federal Government has made science communication one of its priorities. Thus, science communication has become an integral part of all funding guidelines and funded research projects. The participative stakeholder platform #FactoryWissKomm established in 2020 developed recommendations for effective and responsible science communication. The platform convenes a broad range of stakeholders to collaboratively co-design innovative and participatory communication formats, guided by their specific needs and perspectives. Moreover, the Federal Government plans to establish an independent foundation for science communication and journalism. The annual Science Year, with its changing theme – for 2025 it is "Energy of the future" – helps to disseminate scientific topics more widely. |
| Greece | A lot of effort has been put forward to support knowledge exchange and co-creation processes in Greece, and the results are starting to show. In particular, after the successful completion of an initiative launched in 2021 to establish new Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) or network existing ones in Higher Education Institutions and Public Research Centres, a new call was launched in 2024. This initiative aims to create broader networks of TTOs, design common operational procedures, cultivate principles of knowledge valorisation among researchers and society, disseminate successful results, and build bridges with the private sector. The Sectorial Scientific Council on Knowledge Transfer and Intellectual Property, established in 2021 under the National Council for Research and Innovation, has provided invaluable input. It introduced significant changes to the legal framework for spin-off companies and bridged two ministries—the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs—on this issue. The Council also contributed to the design of the new TTO call and organized several workshops on technology transfer and intellectual property issues. Support continues for 11 Competence Centers, over 30 Innovation Clusters, and 7 Digital Innovation Hubs, expected to invigorate the Greek innovation ecosystem and enhance the country's overall innovation performance. Collaborative projects have been supported through targeted calls like the flagship initiative Research-Create-Innovate, which funded more than 1,100 collaborative projects with a budget exceeding 500 million euros, and its successor, Research-Innovate, announced in 2024 with a budget of over 300 million euros. The construction of the Innovation District in Thessaloniki (ThessIntec) is underway. It will operate under a Public-Private Partnership model, providing a physical collocation space for laboratories of public research entities, R&D departments of firms, academic spin-offs, and innovative start-ups, as well as financial organizations. This setup will strongly promote co-creation and networking between different elements of the quadruple helix. The initiative has already attracted direct foreign investment in Research and Innovation. Overall, a new mentality seems to be taking hold among researchers, students, and society at large. Events are frequently organised to showcase successful outcomes from TTO activities, and private organisations are emerging to contribute in this direction. These efforts are supported by various initiatives of the European Commission to promote ERA Actions 4 and 7. All these efforts have significantly boosted the start-up ecosystem in Greece, with the emergence of new unicorns in the last year. However, the acquisition of some promising start-ups by foreign, mostly US, funds and the relocation of these companies outside Europe raises concerns. |
| Hungary | A primary strategic goal of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation in developing the Hungarian research and innovation ecosystem is to ensure that the results of research activities carried out in Hungarian universities and research institutes yield new products, technologies, and services. These should address relevant societal challenges and provide significant economic benefits to Hungary. In 2024, the number of university patent applications increased exponentially, with domestic applications increasing from 60 in 2023 to 115, representing an increase of 92 percent. The number of international patent applications filed by universities also nearly doubled, from 15 in 2023 to 28 in 2024. In 2023, the Hungarian Government funded five universities to establish and operate Technology Transfer Companies (TTCs) for three years. TTCs play a crucial role in the successful commercialisation of research results by identifying promising projects within the university or research institute that show innovation potential and supporting such projects in successfully entering the market. The Technology Transfer Programme (TTC) Project of the Hungarian Innovation Agency cooperates with 5 Hungarian universities and has already established technology transfer companies at the University of Debrecen, University of Óbuda, University of Szeged, Semmelweis University, and Széchenyi István University. The Agency provides professional support for the 3-year implementation of the project, and monitors quarterly KPIs prepared jointly with participating institutions. The Agency also shares the experience and knowledge gained from the project with universities and research institutes not participating in the project. The main goal of Proof of Concept (PoC) Program, launched in 2021, is to raise the research results created or to be created at the HUN-REN research centers to a higher level of technological maturity, which will allow for the (financial/professional) involvement of external (e.g. industrial) actors in research and development or the utilisation of the technology. The latest call ‘Proof of Concept (PoC)’ (2024-2.1.3-POC), financed from the NRDI Fund, was announced on December 19, 2024. The aim of the call, having an allocable budget of HUF 3 billion, is identical with those above. The HUNRENTECH Ltd. was established in 2025 with the aim of effectively supporting the researchers of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network in the practical utilisation of their scientific results. The mission of the company is to create marketable and socially useful solutions in close cooperation with researchers, from which researchers can also directly benefit. |
| Iceland | Iceland's ongoing policy debates surrounding knowledge exchange and co-creation (valorization) share a strong consensus on the goal of increased valorization. However, these debates often revolve around how to achieve this. The focus is on finding the optimal balance between competitive research funds, institutional funding, and R&D tax incentives, as well as addressing the differential access to these financial instruments. Additionally, there is interest in optimising the measures of impact and return on investment using these instruments. There is a recognised need to formalise and strengthen collaboration agreements between universities, research institutions, and industry. The challenge lies in moving beyond one-off projects to establish more strategic, long-term partnerships. This involves addressing barriers to collaboration that currently exist. While much of the research and innovation activity is concentrated in the capital region, there are debates about fostering knowledge exchange and co-creation in other regions. This is seen as a way to support local economies and address specific regional challenges. |
| India | The interplay between protecting intellectual property and fostering technology transfer and knowledge sharing is pivotal in the realm of knowledge exchange and co-creation. Effective policies must balance the need for innovators to benefit from their inventions with the broader societal need for scientific progress. This balance is crucial not only to incentivise innovation but also to ensure that advancements are accessible for further research, development, and industrial applications. There is a significant need to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and consumption. This can be addressed by creating effective pathways for networking and collaboration between academia and industry. Monitoring the emerging data from industrial innovation and entrepreneurship through coordinated exercise at regular intervals is also vital, as it provides insights into the progress and effectiveness of innovation strategies. To enhance collaborations between academia and industry, it is essential to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and innovation. Strengthening partnerships and streamlining licensing and royalty agreements are effective strategies. Additionally, promoting mechanisms that encourage collaborative research and development can lead to more robust innovation ecosystems. Furthermore, policy measures should support entrepreneurship by providing access to capital, infrastructure, mentorship, and appropriate legal frameworks. These measures help in the commercialisation of scientific research. Promoting open science principles and ensuring open access to research findings, data, and publications are also critical. The creation of repositories, licensing models, and funding mechanisms should aim to provide free and unrestricted access to scientific knowledge, while also addressing sustainability and quality control concerns. |
| Indonesia | The ongoing policy debate in Indonesia regarding knowledge exchange and co-creation among academia, industry, government, and society (Quadruple Helix) reflects a shift toward an open innovation ecosystem model. However, this transition remains suboptimal due to various institutional, regulatory, and cultural barriers. A key issue is the imbalance between collaboration and competition among actors. Many universities, R&D institutions, and industries still operate in silos, with no national incentive system that explicitly rewards cross-institutional collaboration—leading to competition over budgets, patents, and projects instead. Moreover, Indonesia lacks a stable and integrated national platform for knowledge, data, technology, and solution sharing. Sectoral coordination forums tend to be ceremonial and are not embedded within policy cycles or innovation processes. Differences in goals and "language" among actors also pose challenges: academics focus on publications, industry on profit, government on regulation, and society on local needs. As a result, much academic research lacks practical relevance, and communities are often treated as passive recipients rather than active co-creators of innovation. Other pressing issues include limited collaborative incentive schemes and the absence of institutionalized roles for communities in co-creation. Funding mechanisms such as the Indonesia Collaborative Research scheme (RKI) remain bureaucratic and limited, and there is no incentive system based on the social and economic impacts of collaboration. Communities are not yet positioned as key actors—particularly in social and regional innovation—and local knowledge is not recognized as part of the scientific system. Additionally, limited access to research data, infrastructure, and intellectual property (IP) protection contributes to fragmentation. Research data is often closed, and IP ownership disputes frequently arise between universities, researchers, and industry partners. Finally, the national research governance framework—especially following the enactment of Law No. 11/2019—has not fully integrated the principles of the Quadruple Helix in an equitable and sustainable way. Multi-stakeholder collaborations are still largely project-based and short-term, lacking sustainable learning systems. Cross-sector institutions such as Regional Innovation Forums or Thematic Research Consortia also remain weak in terms of legal and budgetary support. These are the core issues currently driving policy debates on knowledge co-creation in Indonesia. |
| Ireland | Research Ireland, the new R&I competitive funding agency, plays a crucial role in incentivising and supporting academic researchers in their external engagements. Alongside enterprise agencies, Research Ireland facilitates researchers' engagement in their regions, utilising their expertise to deliver impactful results while simultaneously gaining valuable experience. The Co-Centres Programme, established in 2023, aims to create all-island research and innovation hubs in collaboration with partners in Northern Ireland and the UK. This initiative brings together academics, industry, and policymakers from the Irish Government, UK Government, and Northern Ireland Government Departments to address common challenges such as food sustainability and climate change. The Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges (COALESCE) scheme is designed to integrate robust research knowledge into public policy, fostering tangible and enduring connections between the publicly funded research system and policymakers. Funded by strategic partners, including Government Departments and agencies, COALESCE focuses on thematic strands that reflect specific policy priorities. Additionally, the Irish Chapter of CoARA offers a platform for Irish members to exchange knowledge and engage in mutual learning on issues unique to Ireland, such as peer review processes, revision of promotion criteria, and the adoption of DORA and other statements on the responsible use of research metrics by Irish funding agencies. Enterprise Ireland is committed to increasing the number of companies that achieve High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) status to maximise economic impact. They strategically utilise the Commercialisation Fund, the New Frontiers entrepreneurship programme, and the Technology Transfer/Innovation Office network across the public research system to transform publicly funded research into commercially viable products, services, and companies. In 2023, Enterprise Ireland launched KT Boost, a new four-year, €33.4 million knowledge transfer funding programme co-funded by ERDF. KT Boost aims to enhance enterprise research collaboration and commercialisation outcomes both regionally and nationally, with a significant emphasis on regional development through direct supports for Knowledge Transfer across all Universities and Technological Universities. The Government’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is dedicated to the development and commercial deployment of disruptive technologies. It encourages collaboration between Ireland’s research base and industry, facilitating enterprises to compete for funding that supports the development and adoption of these technologies. The DTIF, linked to National Strategic Outcome 5: A strong economy supported by enterprise, innovation, and skills, has allocated €376 million to 105 projects involving collaborative partnerships between industry, particularly SMEs, and public research bodies. These projects apply industrial research in areas such as health, climate action, food, ICT, and manufacturing, with SME participation being mandatory for funding eligibility. Under the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA), the annual Climate Conversations serve as a platform for the Government to engage with a broad range of people across society. This engagement occurs through online public consultations, workshops with populations vulnerable to the transition to carbon neutrality, and interviews with individuals taking climate action. The findings from these conversations directly inform the annual Climate Action Plan. Additionally, under the EPA Research Framework 2030, the EPA aims to place science and innovation at the heart of environmental protection in Ireland. The EPA manages an environmental research programme that provides essential scientific support for policy development, implementation, and broader decision-making in Ireland by fostering collaboration between researchers and research users. |
| Israel | Bridging academia, industry, and society presents a significant policy challenge. The Israel Innovation Authority has established longstanding programmes to facilitate knowledge transfer. Recent committee reports have called for the strengthening of these linkages. For instance, the National R&D Council has recommended the creation of dedicated networks to ensure synergies between academic research and industrial application, aiming to avoid duplication of efforts. At the university level, tech transfer offices are actively involved in patenting and licensing activities. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the incentives involved. Some universities demand higher shares of equity or royalties, which has led to tensions with start-ups that favour more lenient terms to commercialise innovations. This dynamic reflects broader competition for intellectual property and talent within the sector. Furthermore, there are differing perspectives on the timing and nature of disclosures. University faculty and the Council for Higher Education (CHE) prioritise academic freedom and the publication of fundamental research. In contrast, industry stakeholders often push for earlier disclosure and rapid productisation of research findings. Additionally, some government bodies argue that the current academic system of intellectual property does not sufficiently incentivise tech transfers to Israeli industry. |
| Italy | In Italy, current policy debates are centered on enhancing the effectiveness and inclusiveness of knowledge valorisation mechanisms. This involves reinforcing collaboration among academia, industry, government, and society. The focus is on strengthening the role of universities in regional innovation ecosystems, enhancing support for technology transfer, and promoting the societal impact of research. A central initiative in this area is ITA.CON, a national project coordinated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, in collaboration with the European Commission and the OECD. ITA.CON is designed to improve the system of knowledge exchange and collaboration between universities and society. The project aims to build capacity within universities to engage in co-creation, support open science practices, and foster partnerships with public and private stakeholders. The debate also emphasizes the importance of removing regulatory barriers and incentivizing academic engagement beyond traditional research outputs. Additionally, there is a strong push to align research missions with societal needs and sustainable development goals. |
| Japan | Japan aims to establish a new industrial base where corporations, universities, and public research institutes collaborate. The objective is to foster diversity and create value by launching a series of start-ups dedicated to solving societal problems. Research and development results from universities and national R&D agencies, tailored to the needs of cities, regions, and society, are commercialised through open innovation. This involves both start-ups and established businesses, forming a virtuous cycle where new added value is continuously generated. Driven by social needs, this cycle actively produces products and services with global applications. Funds generated from business successes and knowledge accrued through experience are reinvested to accelerate the development of human resources and joint research among firms, universities, and national R&D agencies. This investment aims to cultivate an ecosystem where academia, public R&D agencies, businesses, and local governments are closely interconnected. This ecosystem supports the creation and growth of innovative start-ups. The establishment of a system that seamlessly integrates these elements at the heart of cities and regions fosters continuous, interconnected innovations. These innovations address social issues and changes, facilitate the global expansion of start-ups, and attract increased global investment. To realise such an ecosystem, the government is committed to driving the creation of needs-pull type innovation. It aims to improve the institutional and policy environment to enhance the innovation activities of start-ups and operating companies. By utilising the knowledge of universities and national R&D agencies to meet societal needs, the government promotes new value co-creation through collaboration between industry, academia, and government. It also supports the establishment of start-ups and hub cities and backs human resource development to underpin the ecosystem. In March 2023, the "University IP Governance Guidelines" were established. These guidelines clarify how IP rights related to joint research results should be attributed, the authority to implement them, and how startup stock acquisition rights can be used as compensation for licensing. These measures are essential to maximise opportunities for the social implementation of IP created by universities and to sustain a virtuous funding cycle. These guidelines will be disseminated to target universities nationwide through collaboration with the Universities for International Research Excellence programme and the Project for Strengthening Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities. Efforts will be made to enhance university IP governance. To promote the management, sharing, and utilisation of research data, the government will develop an environment based on an open and closed strategy. A platform will be established to ensure the freedom of research, enabling research sites to access high-quality data and allowing cross-sectional retrieval of such data. A mechanism to ensure data reliability will be crucial for this endeavour. Simultaneously, the government will establish and maintain the world's most advanced research infrastructure, comprising networks, data infrastructure, and computing resources. It will promote the extensive use and application of this infrastructure across both industry and academia. |
| Kazakhstan | In Kazakhstan, the issue of strengthening knowledge exchange and valorisation between academia, industry, government, and society has become increasingly central to STI policy discourse. One of the key debates is focused on addressing long-standing fragmentation between research institutions and the private sector, which has limited the application of scientific knowledge in industrial settings. Policymakers acknowledge that the transition toward a knowledge-based economy requires not only increased investment in research but also the development of robust mechanisms for co-creation, commercialisation, and public engagement. A major shift has been the adoption of the 2024 Law on Science and Technological Policy, which places valorisation and cross-sector collaboration at the core of Kazakhstan’s innovation system. The law empowers institutions like the Science Fund and QazInnovations to expand their mandates to include technology brokerage, venture financing, and acceleration of industry-facing research. However, a continuing policy debate surrounds the need for clearer institutional incentives, intellectual property frameworks, and performance metrics that reward collaborative outcomes. One of the most prominent initiatives reflecting this policy focus is the rollout of industrial hackathons. These events are increasingly recognised as effective instruments for bridging the gap between research and application. For example, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in cooperation with industrial companies, has launched sector-specific hackathons that bring together students, researchers, and companies to co-develop solutions to real-world production challenges. These events not only generate actionable prototypes but also serve as a practical mechanism for knowledge transfer and early-stage innovation. A further area of policy debate is the role of universities as regional innovation anchors. There is growing support for embedding co-creation in higher education through dual education models, university-industry consortia, and technology parks. However, unresolved issues remain regarding IP management, administrative flexibility, and faculty incentives. In parallel, some stakeholders are calling for stronger public engagement mechanisms—such as open science platforms, societal challenge labs, and citizen science programmes—that expand the beneficiaries of knowledge exchange beyond industry to include civil society and local communities. In summary, Kazakhstan is advancing an ambitious policy agenda for knowledge valorisation that is supported by legal reforms and experimental formats such as industrial hackathons. While early outcomes are promising, ongoing debates highlight the need for a more coherent ecosystem that supports long-term collaboration, aligns incentives, and ensures inclusiveness in the co-creation process. |
| Korea | While Korea has made substantial investments in science and R&D, the effective use and societal uptake of knowledge remains a critical and contested issue. This challenge has been extensively discussed in terms of both domestic and international linkages. Domestically, the linkages among research, industry, government, and society have been strongly encouraged by ambitious policy shifts from state-led technological innovation to public-private collaboration and societal innovation. This shift is exemplified by initiatives such as the 5th Basic Plan for Science and Technology (2023–2027), which emphasizes a private sector-led STI ecosystem. Despite these efforts, it is argued that Korea still operates within a state-led co-creation ecosystem, rather than evolving into a trust-based, long-term collaborative framework. Additionally, societal engagement continues to pose significant challenges. On the international front, STI collaboration has long been identified as a weak aspect of the Korean knowledge exchange ecosystem. In response, the Korean government has significantly increased its global R&D investment, allocating a record 1.8 trillion won in 2024. It plans to maintain this level of investment to enhance international research collaboration through various multilateral and bilateral global R&D programmes. |
| Latvia | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Lithuania | To reduce the administrative burden on researchers and applicants, Lithuania has begun transitioning away from fragmented support schemes that required separate applications for each R&D activity. Instead, mission-oriented consolidated calls are being introduced, providing comprehensive funding packages under a single proposal. This change aims to end the continuous cycle of grant applications, allowing one project to cover a full spectrum of R&D needs—from infrastructure development to the creation of spin-off companies. Under the joint initiative of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (ŠMSM) and the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation (EIMIN), three mission-based science and innovation programmes are being implemented: “Safe and Inclusive e-Society,” “Smart and Climate-Neutral Lithuania,” and “Innovations for Health.” Each programme is carried out by a consortium selected through a competitive process, which includes research and higher education institutions and business entities. Each consortium is responsible for implementing at least seven R&D projects or activities, resulting in prototypes, new products, or the establishment of spin-off companies. Within each mission programme, a Competence Centre is being developed, which includes infrastructure tailored to support the programme’s goals. This infrastructure comprises laboratories and spaces for product development and prototyping. New funding instruments have been created to support the commercialization of R&D results developed within research and higher education institutions, specifically through the creation of new spin-offs. These measures also provide comprehensive support to existing spin-offs and include the expansion of pre-acceleration and mentoring services. A strong emphasis is placed on the innovation and technology transfer offices (TTOs) within research and higher education institutions, aiming to strengthen the "third mission" of universities, to develop professional entrepreneurship competences and networking for knowledge transfer, to reinforce cooperation between science and business, and to open up scientific achievements to the public more widely. These centers employ science managers, ,,knowledge brokers”, who act as “one-stop-shop” for both external consumers (public and private sector, NGO and others) and internal customers – researchers - seeking to market their scientific products and also to protect IP. |
| Malta | In line with the recommendations in the PSF Peer Review, the National R&I Strategic Plan 2023-2027 includes several recommendations to enhance knowledge transfer and sharing. Under the ‘Strengthening R&I Governance’ pillar, the Plan advocates for increased knowledge sharing across the Government’s scientific roles to develop a more systematic approach to addressing national R&I priorities. Additionally, the Plan proposes the launch of a pilot Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme, aimed at fostering increased industry-academia collaboration for commercialization. Malta participated in the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on ‘Knowledge Valorisation, Skills, Intersectoral Cooperation, and Incentive Systems’. The MLE provided insights into the best practices for strengthening valorisation mindsets, skills, and capacities, and for providing relevant and fair incentive systems. It also offered strategies to improve intellectual asset management. |
| Mexico | The General Law on Humanities, Sciences, Technologies, and Innovation, as outlined in Article 9, mandates that the Federation, through relevant institutions, must implement public policies. These policies are aimed at conducting, promoting, and supporting training, research, dissemination, and project development across the humanities, sciences, technologies, and innovation sectors. Furthermore, they ensure open access to information derived from these activities. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the advancement of universal knowledge, strengthen national sovereignty, support the comprehensive and sustainable development of the country, enhance the well-being of present and future generations, and preserve, restore, protect, and improve the environment. These efforts are also directed towards achieving the constitutional objectives of the Mexican State. Article 53 further mandates the design and promotion of a national strategy for information access in the humanities, science, technology, and innovation. This strategy aims to guarantee community availability and safeguard the human right to science and the public interest. It encompasses the establishment and operation of a National Publications System, which includes editing and publishing books, magazines, newsletters, and other works that disseminate knowledge. The strategy also calls for the integration and updating of the National Information System, which must be accessible to the general public. This includes open access to results and other information generated by humanistic and scientific research, technological development, and innovation conducted by Public Centers, as well as information derived from activities carried out by universities and higher education institutions. Additionally, the establishment and integration of a National Repository aligned with international standards is proposed to ensure the accuracy of content and secure procedures for accessing, retrieving, authenticating, and evaluating the information housed in thematic, institutional, and inter-institutional repositories. The creation of the National System of Public Centers serves as a tool for coordinating the resources, infrastructure, and networks of public centers. Its objectives include promoting the advancement of universal knowledge, conducting research in basic and cutting-edge science, and contributing to making scientific knowledge and its technological applications publicly accessible. These efforts are incorporated into productive and industrial processes, commerce, service provision, and popular consumption, all while upholding ethical, social, and environmental responsibility. The System of Public Centers for Humanistic and Scientific Research, Technological Development, and Innovation comprises 25 parastatal entities grouped into three main areas, along with a Trust Fund to finance graduate studies for Mexican students. These areas are Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Environment, and Technological Development and Innovation, each hosting a variety of specialized centers. |
| Netherlands | In the Dutch context, three key debates can be discerned regarding the valorisation and commercialisation of public research. Firstly, it is widely recognised that the Netherlands excels in scientific output but could improve in the commercialisation of this knowledge. Secondly, there is an ongoing discussion about ways to lower the barriers for entrepreneurial scientists. A significant topic within this debate is the conditions under which intellectual property is transferred from universities to startups. To streamline this process while increasing transparency, a set of standardised, entrepreneur-friendly deal terms has been proposed and implemented by many, though not all, universities. Thirdly, and related to the second point, the way scientists are rewarded is gradually changing, with an increasing focus on rewarding scientists for efforts to increase the societal and economic impact of their research. Additionally, the policy debate centres around how the value of knowledge valorisation by researchers can be recognised and rewarded more broadly. Discussions also focus on how a commitment to a broad knowledge base can be balanced with mission-driven valorisation and innovation. Other debates centre around creating a sustainable connection with society, making innovation accessible for the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), further developing applied sciences, and making the value creation of science more visible. |
| New Zealand | Increasing the exchange of knowledge within the New Zealand Science, Innovation, and Technology (SIT) system is a key policy objective of the New Zealand Government. This goal focuses on enhancing interactions and the mobility of human capital among institutions, researchers, businesses, and at the international level. The government recognizes the significant economic benefits that can arise from improving knowledge exchange and the transition of human capital from higher education into the SIT and business workforce. Recent government-commissioned reports, including Te Pae Kahurangi 2020, Up-Start Nation 2023, and the Science System Advisory Group 2024 phase one, have underscored the importance of these initiatives. These reports suggest that research-industry-government collaboration, knowledge sharing, and coordination are essential for leveraging the advantages of a knowledge economy. Such efforts are aligned with the government's priorities to enhance economic productivity and growth. An example includes the government’s pilot 'Applied Doctorates' programme to enhance industry-academia collaboration and broaden post-study career pathways for researchers. |
| Norway | The government recognises the potential for further commercialisation of publicly funded research. In 2023, the FORNY programme underwent modifications aimed at strengthening the early commercialisation phase and enhancing the commercial exploitation of research results by higher education institutions. Open access to research findings is deemed crucial for the development and application of knowledge, as it enables users from the research community, private sector, and the public to share and access the outcomes of publicly funded research. In Norway, international cooperation and exchange in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies, research, and innovation are considered high priorities at all levels. Over the last biennium, Norway has actively participated in several initiatives within the European Research Area (ERA) to learn from other countries and contribute to the development of the international knowledge base. Another focal point of the debate is the evolving relationship between the various sectors within the national research and innovation ecosystem, such as industry, research institutes, higher education institutions, and health institutions. This includes discussions on the division of labour and the extent of collaboration among these entities. Furthermore, the need for more systematic cooperation and exchange between research communities and businesses is highlighted in the 2024 Strategy to increase business investment in R&D. The government expects public research institutions, particularly universities and university colleges, to lead in addressing these challenges. |
| Peru | The acceleration of innovation and innovative entrepreneurship is facilitated through robust collaboration between universities, Public Research Institutes, Institutes, and Schools of Higher Technological Education, and companies of all sizes. This collaboration focuses on fostering the creation of new or improved products and processes. Peru has actively promoted knowledge transfer between academia, the public sector, and industry through various mechanisms. Currently, instruments have been designed and applied to promote the training of technology managers and technology transfer units in public and private universities. Likewise, the use of Technological Maturity Levels (TRL) has been included as a criterion for the subsidising of projects and their scaling up. On the other hand, the number of value chains has been increased through the Academia-Industry Linkage Initiative (IVAI). Currently, intellectual property is used in the commercial strategies of the products developed. To this end, training and capacity building programmes for technology managers have included IP tools in open access software platforms, as well as massive open online courses (MOOCs). Despite these efforts, there remains significant potential for enhancing the transfer of knowledge from academia to industry to improve the performance of SINACTI. Currently, through the Academia-Industry Linkage Initiative (IVAI), technology transfer is being promoted in the country's prioritised value chains (sustainable aquaculture, mining suppliers, cultural, natural and adventure tourism, wood products, premium distillates, Andean grains, textiles and clothing, tropical and subtropical superfruits). The indicator used is the number of technology packages transferred. |
| Poland | The discussion on knowledge transfer and exchange between academia and industry in Poland was significantly advanced with the White Paper on Innovation in 2016, which involved extensive discussions and consultations with the scientific, research, and business communities, led by the Ministry of Education and Science. Poland possesses considerable potential for developing a knowledge-based economy, supported by a relatively well-educated society and a robust scientific community. Some entrepreneurs have also demonstrated success on both domestic and international markets. Policy initiatives support funding mechanisms for applied research, effectively combining two extensive research systems: the grant system, which enables funding of basic research (e.g., all NCN grants), and the implementation research system conducted with industrial partners (the vast majority of NCBR grants). This approach, however, is limited to two distinct stages: the conceptual phase, which aims to identify the application potential of basic research and to acquire an industrial partner for implementation, and the research phase, which focuses on the implementation itself. The ERC "proof of concept" grants serve as a model for national instruments in this scope. Entities responsible for supporting commercialisation processes in scientific units include technology transfer centres or special purpose vehicles created specifically for this purpose. If a public university gains financial benefits from the commercialisation of research results (e.g., through the sale or licensing of an invention resulting from scientific research), the creator (employee) is guaranteed a statutory right to participate in the benefits obtained. This ensures the implementation of the demands made by the researchers. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education actively supports the commercialisation process of scientific research and development work results, with business entities, business organisations, and consolidated state-owned companies becoming increasingly active in these activities. Policy debates surrounding knowledge exchange and co-creation between academia, industry, government, and society are gaining importance as the country seeks to enhance innovation, economic development, and societal well-being. The key issues in these debates revolve around several themes. One central debate concerns improving collaboration between universities and businesses. Despite progress, the link between academic research and its commercial application remains weak, with many researchers and businesses struggling to find effective pathways for knowledge transfer. There is ongoing discussion about the government’s role in facilitating or directly supporting knowledge exchange processes, with debate on whether the state should be more hands-on or focus on creating a supportive framework and let the market lead. The call for a more integrated and coordinated innovation ecosystem that connects academic research with business needs and societal challenges is strong, yet disagreements persist on how to structure this ecosystem and what mechanisms should be in place to ensure effective collaboration among all stakeholders. While much focus has been on economic valorisation, there is an increasing push to consider the broader social impacts of knowledge exchange. Discussion points include whether the government should provide more incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, for companies to collaborate with universities, how to incentivise universities to focus more on applied research, and the role of technology transfer offices in bridging this gap. Public-private partnerships are seen as a key way to foster knowledge exchange and co-creation, with discussions on how to create effective PPPs that align the interests of academia, industry, and government. Despite efforts to promote knowledge transfer, significant barriers remain, including legal and intellectual property issues, cultural differences between academia and industry, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. As part of the EU, Poland is subject to European research and innovation policies, which promote collaborative, cross-border research and innovation. However, there is debate over how Poland should engage with EU funding programmes like Horizon Europe and how to integrate these opportunities into the national knowledge exchange ecosystem. The increasing importance of digital tools for knowledge exchange is a major topic, with discussions on how Poland can support SMEs and start-ups in accessing digital tools and platforms to engage in open innovation and knowledge exchange. There is a growing demand for better systems to evaluate the impact of knowledge exchange activities, with debate on the metrics and criteria for evaluating how effective these collaborations are in producing tangible outcomes. Co-creation involving stakeholders beyond academia and industry, such as citizens, communities, and social organisations, is an emerging focus. This debate centres on how to ensure that the public is not just a passive recipient of innovation but an active participant in shaping it. In summary, the key policy debates in Poland around knowledge exchange and co-creation focus on improving collaboration between academia, industry, and society, addressing structural barriers, and ensuring that the outcomes of these efforts benefit both the economy and society. There's an emphasis on creating a more integrated and inclusive innovation ecosystem, aligning national efforts with EU policies, and measuring the broader impacts of innovation. |
| Portugal | The national knowledge transfer and co-creation ecosystem is notably diverse, encompassing Science and Technology Parks, Incubators, Collaborative Laboratories (CoLABs), Technology and Innovation Centres (CTIs), and Clusters. These elements have been recently acknowledged for their contributions. However, there are inefficiencies primarily in their interconnections, which are often hindered by systemic issues such as organisational culture and misalignment between scientific research, technological development activities, and the needs of companies. Additionally, a lack of human and technological qualifications for companies to develop R&D projects has been a major constraint to knowledge transfer and valorisation, both nationally and regionally. To address these challenges, providing core funding for technological and interface infrastructures is crucial. This includes multi-annual funding, the renewal of national networks, and the dissemination of R&D across interface bodies. There are significant shortcomings in the national Statistical System and in the relevant funding agencies concerning the production of information on Knowledge Transfer and Valorisation (KTV), which are constraints to the assessment of policies and necessitate greater attention. The cluster policy has been repositioned to reinforce economic resilience and accelerate the digital and green transitions, with 17 clusters recognised by the end of 2024. Four additional clusters were recognized in 2025 with an extended scope and approach focusing on the transition to climate neutrality and digital leadership. These clusters span sectors such as aerospace, defence, health, and digital technologies. Disruptive technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductors are being prioritised through national and European programmes, including the CHIPS JU, DIANA, and the NATO Innovation Fund. The clusters are intended to enhance awareness of knowledge transfer, facilitate greater access to information, ideas, and opportunities, and deepen collaborative relationships, innovative networks, and alignment with Smart Specializations Strategies priorities. Public and private sector mobility initiatives such as the “PhD Studentships – Specific Line of Application in a Non-academic Environment (2025 Call)” and “Scientific Employment in non-academic context” will potentially also contribute to a more seamless collaborative environment in the STI system. Updates to the Scientific Research Career Statute are another critical aspect. The statue serves as a driver for the professionalisation of researchers and competences related to making an impact, particularly in promoting the transfer of knowledge. This follows the European Competence Framework for Researchers and the European Framework for Research Careers, embedding knowledge transfer and impact more deeply in the system, beyond just being a merit criterion in assessments for funding. Furthermore, the possible lack of sustainable funding for existing CoLABs, currently supported by the Recovery and Resilient Plan (RRP), with uncertain future prospects, has triggered debates about the current structure, dimension, and concentration of CoLABs within the same thematic areas, highlighting the need for further restructuring in the short term. Additionally, a new programme to promote “Science for Policy” was launched in 2023, aiming to support robust policymaking through the transfer of knowledge and scientific evidence. The complexity of societal challenges necessitates a growing transdisciplinary approach within policy initiatives, calling for a clear reinforcement of intersectoral collaboration among different actors and stakeholders. Several new national specific programmes promoting intersectoral production of knowledge, such as “Science+Defence” and “Science+Energy”, have been developed. The recently launched national strategic plan for industrial property (2025-2030), along with the Research and Development Incentive System (SIID) - Intellectual and Industrial Property and the Support Systems for the Creation of Scientific and Technological Knowledge (SACCCT) - Protection of Intellectual and Industrial Property, reinforces the national IP System, stimulating economic growth and innovation while creating better links within the actors of the industrial ecosystem and improving efficiency in value creation. |
| Republic of Moldova | Current policy debates on knowledge exchange and co-creation focus on strengthening the connections between the academic research sector and the private sector. This includes improving the roles of government and civil society in innovation ecosystems. A central topic of discussion is how to make research outputs more relevant and accessible to industry, especially to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to foster innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and green technologies. There is a growing recognition of the need to transition from a traditional, supply-driven research model to one that is more demand-oriented, catering to societal and market needs. Stakeholders, including research institutions, private sector actors, government agencies, and international development partners, have expressed differing views on the appropriate mechanisms and incentives for collaboration. Some advocate for stronger intellectual property frameworks and innovation vouchers, while others emphasise the importance of intermediary institutions such as technology transfer offices and science parks. Recent strategies, such as the Roadmap on Innovation and Technology Transfer and the National Programme for Research and Innovation 2024–2027, aim to institutionalise these interactions. These strategies focus particularly on creating public-private partnerships, regional innovation hubs, and involving the Moldovan diaspora in co-creation processes. These debates underscore a strategic shift towards integrating innovation more closely with national development goals and aligning with EU-oriented reforms. This shift reflects a broader understanding of the pivotal role that effective knowledge exchange and co-creation can play in driving sustainable development and economic growth. |
| Romania | Since mid-2019, national ministries and Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have been collaborating through the Coordinating Committee for Smart Specialisation (CCSI). This collaboration aims to reach a consensus on the complementarities between national and regional specialisation domains within the framework of the National Strategy for Research, Innovation and Smart Specialisation 2022-2027 (SNCISI). The most significant funding for the development of emerging and advanced technologies at the national level (PoCIDIF) relates to five strategic innovation hubs. These hubs focus on long-term spillover effects in areas such as semiconductors, AI, hydrogen, nuclear (ALFRED), and environment and biodiversity (DANUBIUS). Some of the innovation hubs are built not only on the co-participation of local communities in defining the emergent local ecosystem but also on the social acceptability and understanding of its related RDI infrastructure. In a broader context, the national RDA Association in Romania has implemented an EU funded collaborative project with the OECD, finalised at the end of 2023. All the RDAs participated in this initiative aiming to enhance the RDAs' capacities as R&I advisory hubs in a comprehensive sense. The focus was not only on supporting future Regional Operational Programme (ROP) project applications but also on encouraging a creative R&I interface with society. The project helped ROREG to streamline its horizontal coordination, among members, and to further consolidate its territorial outreach to local stakeholders by proposing innovative methods for operationalising the Smart Specialization Strategies as a precondition for financing innovation. One of the main outcomes of this project is the creation of several Regional Innovation Agencies in regions such as Vest or Nord Vest. Another important outcome was the consolidation of regional innovation ecosystems but also the creation of a cross-regional framework which better connects the national level to territories. Many regional stakeholders, such as city halls, county councils, realised that public administration plays a key role in driving innovation by setting higher policy goals and matching them with the appropriate funds and skilled human resources. Also, an important permanent linkage between all relevant entities within certain scientific fields and industries (RTOs and companies) is provided by CLUSTERO, the representative body of Romanian clusters. |
| Serbia | The lack of a coherent national framework for the transfer of scientific knowledge and technology to the economy remains a significant challenge in Serbia's science-industry cooperation landscape. Existing practices are largely fragmented, with individual universities and public research organizations applying different internal regulations. This leads to inconsistencies in how intellectual property (IP) is managed and commercialized. In response, a national initiative in the framework of the SAIGE project (Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship project), supported by NITRA, has been launched to establish a comprehensive system for knowledge transfer, technology commercialization, and intellectual property management. This initiative aims to determine the modalities for protecting and commercializing intellectual property created within these organizations. The policy debate focuses on defining clear roles and responsibilities for universities, research institutes, and government bodies. It also sets unified procedures for IP ownership, valuation, and licensing. Furthermore, the debate addresses the need to incentivize academic engagement with industry and to build capacities within research organizations to manage knowledge transfer effectively. The absence of a national framework governing the transfer of scientific knowledge to the economy, along with the adoption of various regulations by universities, has led to disharmony and unequal opportunities for the protection of intellectual property created within the university. Establishing a system and regulatory framework at the national level that defines technology transfer, including science-industry knowledge sharing, is crucial for harmonizing these efforts. |
| Slovak Republic | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Slovenia | The main debates and activities on the scientific component concern the direction and level of support for knowledge-transfer activities. The ministry responsible for science, within the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) 2021-2027, ensures funding for some activities of knowledge transfer offices. Stable funding for basic activities is also ensured within public research organisations (PROs) to strengthen the internal capacities for knowledge valorisation. Furthermore, the action plan for improving knowledge transfer, which is part of the Resolution on the Slovenian Scientific Research and Innovation Strategy 2030, was recently adopted. This plan was prepared in co-creation with relevant stakeholders, including Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), research performing organisations (RPOs), ministries, and relevant experts. It provides concrete activities for improving the knowledge valorisation processes. Setting innovation partnerships through relationship-building and networking facilitation is the main challenge to boost collaboration. Connecting stakeholders enables the implementation of innovative ideas and solutions by creating shared ownership and spreading risks to a larger group of actors. Cooperation refers to connections and behaviour between actors in the system, which are established through dedicated instruments, mechanisms or platforms, or through informal means. As part of the ESIF actions, support for Strategic Research and Innovation Partnerships (SRIPs) was secured. SRIPs are clusters, organised in 10 domains of the Smart Specialisation Strategy and serve as a platform for coordinating activities between the business sector and academia. As the mechanism is set to change in mid-2026 (according to EU rules), the current debate is focused on the future of SRIPs and the role of these clusters in the future. |
| South Africa | The 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology, and Innovation, along with the 2022-2032 Decadal Plan, underscores the Government's commitment to acting as a catalyst for the development and deployment of innovation. This includes addressing market failures and fostering private-sector investment. The Government's funding of R&D and innovation within the National System of Innovation (NSI) spans from fundamental research to the enhanced transfer and diffusion of technology from the science sector. This broad scope of support necessitates skilled human resources, robust infrastructure, effective technology transfer mechanisms, and more efficient technology utilisation in both business and government sectors. Furthermore, the promotion of knowledge transfer and dissemination is a continuing policy priority in South Africa. This is shaped by policy debates on how best to support the commercialisation of publicly funded intellectual property and ensure that legislation on intellectual property rights from publicly financed R&D is responsive. The 2019 White Paper on STI highlights the Government’s dedication to enhancing the diffusion of knowledge and fostering the sharing of ideas and research results. In line with this, the Government is advocating for an open-science paradigm, which is particularly relevant in the evolving policy landscape. |
| Spain | Knowledge transfer is a fundamental vehicle for improving the Spanish science, technology, and innovation system. Significant effort has been made to analyse the current state of the knowledge transfer ecosystem in Spain, identify its main structural barriers, and propose concrete actions that contribute to strengthening the role of research and innovation as a driver of economic and social transformation. In recent years, new instruments have been implemented and existing ones have been strengthened to follow OECD recommendations developed in the roadmap to foster cooperation between universities, research, and business in Spain. Additionally, the latest changes in ministerial structures include the creation of a General Directorate for Knowledge Transfer, which clearly indicates the government's commitment. On the one hand, there is a recognised need to consolidate collaboration between universities, public and private research organisations, companies, and public administrations through strategic alliances and research consortia. These collaborations must be accompanied by mechanisms that allow for the effective sharing of resources, capabilities, and knowledge. Furthermore, knowledge transfer is conceived in a broad sense, moving toward a more holistic conception of knowledge valorisation, based on an ecosystem approach and multidirectional dynamic models, beyond intersectoral collaboration between academia and the productive sector, fostering also knowledge transfer between public agents. The State Plan for Scientific and Technological Research and Innovation (PEICTI 2024-2027) incorporates this new vision and establishes a specific programme for knowledge transfer and collaboration. Under this framework, the programme ‘Complementary Transfer Plan’ is being designed, which provides continuity to the ‘RDI Complementary Plans’ from the previous period, co-financed by regions, but with a focus on knowledge transfer. For its implementation, an analysis of the regional transfer mechanisms has been conducted and work has been done in working groups with representatives from state and from autonomous communities. The goal of the programme is to combine the capabilities of different territories to seek scalable and flexible solutions to facilitate their sustainability. These solutions will be linked to the smart specialisation priorities of the territories, but also aimed at addressing more global challenges such as depopulation, natural disasters, water resource management, rural areas, sustainability from a socio-environmental perspective, and health. In this context, regulatory reforms have been implemented to enhance positive assessment of transfer activity in research organisations and universities. Some reforms are also aimed at facilitating financial incentives for researchers and RDI staff, sharing benefits from IP exploitation, and participation in newly generated companies and mobility. Additionally, actions have been launched to promote the development of applied industrial innovation use cases, seeking directly applicable solutions and fostering interrelationships between researchers and companies, while stimulating demand. |
| Sweden | Improving knowledge exchange and co-creation through collaborative research and development is central to the research and innovation bill in Sweden. The government proposes several initiatives to enhance collaborative research, one of which includes the Excellence Clusters for groundbreaking technology. This initiative is jointly funded by Vetenskapsrådet and Vinnova. Vinnova's contribution will focus on strategic technology areas where Sweden already holds a strong position, as well as on new groundbreaking technology areas where Sweden needs to build expertise. Additionally, it will target technology areas significant for reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience to various threats. This initiative leverages experiences and collaboration models from the strategic innovation programmes created through previous research policy propositions. Research mobility in Sweden is relatively low, with many researchers remaining employed at the same institution where they completed their doctoral studies. To address this, the government suggests amending the Higher Education Act to allow combined appointments in more areas, thus facilitating increased mobility between institutions, as well as international mobility and mobility between universities and other sectors. Furthermore, the government aims to strengthen incentives for strategic recruitment, particularly focusing on the early career position of Assistant Professor. This will be supported by two initiatives: a new career support programme at the Swedish Research Council and a new indicator within the framework of universities' research funding. These measures are expected to significantly improve the mobility between sectors and enhance the overall landscape of collaborative research and development in Sweden. |
| Switzerland | Innovation support at the federal level in Switzerland primarily focuses on fostering knowledge exchange and co-creation between academia and industry. Policy discussions are centred around the continuous refinement of the corresponding instruments within the broader framework of innovation funding and support mechanisms. A particular emphasis is currently placed on enhancing support for spin-offs and start-ups to maximise their overall social benefits. Key initiatives aimed at boosting knowledge and technology transfer for startups include the development of guidelines for transparent intellectual property regulation at universities. These guidelines clarify ownership and commercialisation of research outputs. Additionally, Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency, has been enabled to directly fund startups' innovation projects as well as to give direct contributions to firms in bilateral innovation projects with partners from other countries under the revised Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation. The Council also supports entrepreneurial initiatives at universities by building patent expertise and potentially subsidising patent costs, thereby reducing financial barriers. These measures are intended to augment Switzerland's appeal as a startup hub and to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. The introduction of start-up innovation projects was the major reform in the revision of the RIPA; all other measures were of minor importance or temporary. Furthermore, Switzerland actively promotes open research and open data initiatives to enhance knowledge exchange and co-creation among academia, industry, government, and society. |
| Thailand | Engaging stakeholders in the policy development process enables policymakers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issues that matter. The Policy Innovation Platform for the Better Future (PIP) was established as a virtual space for crowdsourcing policy innovation. It provides a forum for the public, private, and civil society sectors, along with international organizations, to participate in public policy design through knowledge exchange and policy debate. This inclusive approach ensures that policies are more responsive to real needs and yield better outcomes. Interaction and knowledge exchange between research organizations, universities, and industry are essential for developing commercializable innovations and a skilled workforce. Co-creation has become a central strategy in public research administration. The Programme Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU A) funds projects that foster collaboration among academic and research institutes, local government offices, and communities. These projects aim to support community development, strengthen the grassroots economy, and promote an inclusive society. Meanwhile, the Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) prioritizes research projects that involve joint teams from academia and industry, with co-investment from the private sector, to ensure outcomes are market-ready. Additionally, the Higher Education Sandbox Initiative promotes non-traditional education programs co-designed through academia-industry partnerships to meet evolving workforce demands. Science parks play a critical role as infrastructure for innovation, offering physical spaces where academia, industry, government, and society can co-create solutions that deliver social and economic impact. The first of its kind in Thailand, the Thailand Science Park, was established in 2002 in Pathum Thani province, a suburb of Bangkok. To expand the model across the country, MHESI has established five regional science parks: the Northern Science Park in Chiang Mai, the Northeastern Science Park in Khon Kaen, the Lower Northeastern Science Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, and the Southern Science Park in Songkhla. These regional parks draw on local university talent and resources to foster collaboration with communities and businesses in their respective areas. In addition to these science parks, platforms such as Software Park Thailand, Food Innopolis, and Digital Park Thailand support sector-specific innovation through co-creation. Over the years, the strong academia-industry networks cultivated by Thailand Science Park and the regional science parks have become a platform for nationwide enterprise development initiatives, including the Technology and Innovation-based Enterprise Development Fund (TED Fund), Innovation Business Development Service (iBDS), Green Enterprise Indicators (GEI), and the E-Commerce and Innovation Platform (ECIP), all aimed at strengthening business competitiveness and expanding innovation capacity across the country. Leveraging its proximity to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)—Thailand’s main manufacturing hub, the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), opened in 2022, serves as a new key national STI infrastructure hub. EECi supports the value creation of agricultural products, industrial transformation, and the development of future industries. It houses a wide range of co-creation facilities, including the Sustainable Manufacturing Centre (SMC), Smart Greenhouse, Plant Phenomics Facility, Plant Factory, Biorefinery Pilot Plant, Alternative Battery Pilot Plant, Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Proving Ground, the 4th generation 3.0 GeV Synchrotron Light Source, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Proving Ground. The Tech2Biz initiative (https://www.tech2biz.net) serves as a virtual co-creation space—an online platform that connects the technology and innovation needs of technology seekers, such as enterprises and the general public, with technology providers, including research institutes, universities, researchers, and intellectual property rights holders. The platform creates opportunities for technology providers to showcase their innovations and expertise while enabling technology seekers to access and apply domestic technologies, research outputs, intellectual property, and related services. It functions as a strategic mechanism to disseminate knowledge, facilitate matchmaking, and foster collaboration across sectors, aiming to maximize the impact of local research and innovation. Additionally, the Talent Mobility programme serves as a vital mechanism for fostering co-creation between academia and industry. By facilitating the movement of researchers and experts from public universities and research institutions into the industrial sector, the programme enables the transfer and application of scientific, technological, and innovation expertise. This exchange not only strengthens the R&D and innovation capacity of enterprises but also provides researchers with industry perspectives that can inform and enrich their academic work. |
| Türkiye | Within the last decade, there has been a paradigm shift towards a target- and mission-oriented approach in Türkiye's national research, development, and innovation (RDI) ecosystem. This shift emphasises the transformation of R&D and innovation processes, alongside the increasing need for co-creation-oriented new knowledge and human resources to address global risks requiring innovative solutions. The ongoing policy debates in Türkiye, as outlined in the 12th Development Plan, focus on enhancing university-industry-public collaboration in R&D and innovation processes. These debates emphasise the importance of developing an ecosystem that supports open science and innovation infrastructures, alongside innovative financing models. A significant emphasis is placed on strengthening access to qualified human resources, with the plan highlighting the necessity of implementing policy measures that support the quadruple helix model, which involves large-scale collaborations and co-creation models. There is a clear policy direction towards developing support models that encompass the entire spectrum from basic research to the final product in collaboration between universities, the private sector, and the public sector while engaging the social organisations and end users. Key objectives for the upcoming period in Türkiye include increasing the commercialisation potential of research infrastructures and promoting collaborations between them and industry through programmes like the Support Program for Centers of Excellence (TÜBİTAK 1004) and the "High Technology Platforms" initiative. High Technology Platforms are mandated to conduct collaborative, mission-driven R&D within TRLs 3–6, emphasising industry-academia co-creation. As of 2025, 20 platforms are supported, some with European institutional partners, enhancing Türkiye’s integration into global R&D ecosystems. Furthermore, the TÜBİTAK Industrial Innovation Networks Mechanism (SAYEM) is being expanded to support firm partnerships in high-tech R&D and commercialisation, particularly in priority sectors, by establishing networks involving the value chain, end-users, technology development zones, and universities. The “1833 - SAYEM Green Transformation Call” by TÜBİTAK, supported by $175 million in financing within the $450 million Turkish Green Industry Project carried out with KOSGEB under the Ministry of Industry and Technology, highlights a strong policy push towards environmentally sustainable industrial practices. In the last two years, both “High Technology Platforms” and “Industrial Networks” have focused on and made specific calls for green transformation. The SAYEM programme has been revised for implementation under the World Bank supported Türkiye Green Industry Project, and the SAYEM Green Transformation Call has been announced (TÜBİTAK 1833). Additionally, several important support programmes are highlighted in line with the 12th Development Plan: • The TÜBİTAK 2244 Industrial Doctorate Fellowship Program aims to cultivate the qualified human resources with doctoral degrees needed by the industry through university-industry collaboration and to encourage the employment of doctoral researchers. • Technology Development Zones (TDZs) are being established to facilitate prototype development, scaling, and technology validation. • Programmes like the Patent-Based Technology Transfer Support Call (TÜBİTAK 1702) are expanding support for the licensing or transfer of patent-protected technologies resulting from R&D projects to companies located in Türkiye. • Efforts are being made to improve legislation and practices related to the commercialisation of inventions made in higher education institutions. • The Support Program for Public Institutions R&D Projects (TÜBİTAK 1007) facilitates the co-financed development of critical components, devices, and materials needed by public institutions. • The capacity of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) is being improved with performance-based support, including the Technology Transfer Professional (TTP) Support Program (TÜBİTAK 1613) to increase the number and quality of professionals working in intellectual property rights at universities and TTOs. |
| Ukraine | The Strategy for the Development of Innovation Activities until 2030, along with the Strategy for the Digital Development of Innovation Activities in Ukraine until 2030, outlines the objective of establishing legislative and infrastructural conditions to effectively manage technology transfer processes. A pivotal element of this strategy is the creation of technology transfer centres. These centres are designed to bridge the gap between research and industry, supporting the commercialisation of scientific developments, fostering public-private partnerships, and providing a platform for collaborative innovation. Furthermore, the establishment of the Applied Research Agency will mark a significant step towards achieving these goals. This agency will oversee the operations of the technology transfer centres, playing a crucial role in promoting public-private partnerships, facilitating the commercialisation of research, and enhancing the efficiency of the innovation ecosystem. This initiative is essential for fostering an environment where scientific research can be effectively translated into market-ready products and services, thereby boosting the overall innovation capacity of the nation. |
| United Kingdom | Government procurement serves as a significant catalyst for innovation by creating a demand for emerging technologies. Public sector organizations can be early adopters, leveraging their purchasing power to foster novel solutions. By focusing on desired outcomes rather than specifying the exact solutions, the government can stimulate demand and propel innovation throughout the UK’s science and technology sector. In line with this vision, the government has utilized the legal framework established by the Procurement Act 2023 to promote economic growth, enhance standards, and deliver greater social value. This Act, which came into effect in February 2025, aims to provide better value for money and set a clear strategic direction for procurement aligned with the government’s National Missions. It opens procurement opportunities to new entrants like small businesses and social enterprises. Additionally, a new commercial innovation hub will experiment with new service design approaches. The UK is a global leader in financing innovative businesses, evidenced by securing $16.2 billion in venture capital investment in 2024, the highest in Europe and more than double the amount raised by Germany and France combined. The UK also boasts the third most valuable tech ecosystem globally, valued at $1.2 trillion. Despite these achievements, there remains a need to address funding gaps for deep tech companies, which often require substantial initial investment and face long lead times to market along with technological uncertainties. To further bolster investment in the UK’s growth industries, including the science and technology sectors, the UK Infrastructure Bank has been transformed into the National Wealth Fund, now with a total capitalization of £27.8 billion after an increase of £5.8 billion. The British Business Bank is undergoing reforms, and the British Growth Partnership will begin its initial investments in 2025. These efforts are supported by pension reforms expected to release £80 billion for infrastructure and future-focused businesses. Additionally, the government supports the implementation of the Mansion House Compact, which has seen 11 of the UK’s largest pension funds commit to allocating 5% of their total funds to unlisted equities, potentially unlocking £50 billion by 2030. Industry and academia are crucial, but they are not our only stakeholders. Building public trust in science and technology is essential to ensure that all citizens benefit appropriately. For instance, our AI Opportunities Action Plan outlines strategies to harness the benefits that AI offers. |