KT News

In an era where universities and research organisations are called upon to deliver more than just excellent teaching and research, measuring the value of knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) has become a pressing concern, and an opportunity. Recognising this, ASTP has taken a leading step with the release of its White Paper on Knowledge and Technology Transfer Metrics, a document now officially endorsed by the National Associations Advisory Committee (NAAC).

At the heart of the White Paper lies a call to action: we must evolve our approach to measuring KTT to reflect its growing complexity and societal relevance. Whether through research collaborations, start-ups, professional education, or policy influence, KTT is shaping the future, but without robust, harmonised metrics, its true value often goes unrecognised.

Introducing the KTT Metrics Cube

At the core of the White Paper is the KTT Metrics Cube, a multidimensional framework introduced by Franz Barjak to structure indicators across three key dimensions:

• Inputs (e.g., staff, funding, institutional capacity)
• Outputs (e.g., IP, spin-offs, CPD activities)
• Impacts (e.g., societal, economic, technological effects)

The cube also accounts for whether indicators are internally or externally situated, reflecting the reality that impactful transfer relies on both institutional efforts and the broader ecosystem.

Why Now?

Despite ongoing efforts across Europe, existing KTT metrics tend to focus narrowly on what is easily measurable, particularly commercial outputs. Indicators that capture teaching-related contributions, non-commercial impacts, or the role of external actors remain fragmented or missing altogether.

This White Paper, and the full technical report to follow later this year, seeks to shift that balance.

Core Recommendations from the White Paper

To universities, public research organisations, and KTT stakeholders across Europe, the authors recommend:

• Capture the full picture of knowledge valorisation, not just commercial outputs.
• Institutionalise KTT data collection across all levels of your organisation.
• Adopt a core set of harmonised indicators that span internal/external inputs, outputs, and impacts.
• Engage in pilot studies to understand and evaluate long-term societal and economic impacts.
• Apply harmonised definitions wherever possible, to improve cross-national comparability and policy alignment.

These recommendations align with broader European strategies on knowledge valorisation, as promoted by the European Commission, and are supported by extensive cross-country research.

A Collaborative Milestone

This initiative was developed in close collaboration with members of the NAAC Working Group on KT Metrics and Impact, led by Franz Barjak, the nominated representative from swiTT, Swiss National Association. The paper also reflects contributions from Fabrice Lefebvre (SATT Nord, France), Andrew Bailey (SARIMA, South Africa), and Gordon Elliott (IKTA, Ireland), alongside valuable support from many across the ASTP and NAAC community.

Download the White Paper here.