Research to Business

New Workbook: Integrating Alumni into Knowledge and Technology Transfer

Can alumni work be linked with knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) in such a way that new added value is created? This is precisely the question that the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have been investigating over the past three years as part of a funded project. The conclusion: Yes, the know-how of alumni can provide important impulses in KTT. The newly published Worbook "Better together - Alumni im Wissens- und Technologietransfer" (Better together - Alumni in Knowledge and Technology Transfer) shows how a specialized network can be established and how suitable measures can be taken.

Knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) is becoming increasingly important in universities and research institutions, so that strategies and measures are being developed to optimize what already exists, but also to break completely new ground. An important task in KTT is the professional evaluation and exploitation of market-relevant research results and the professionalization of KTT units in this regard. Taking into account the fact that personnel resources and the required range of market knowledge in the KTT units are generally limited, a team at KIT and HZDR worked together to find new approaches. This knowledge was collected in a practical workbook, which is available for download without any charges.

Alumni with extensive experience and industry knowledge

Alumni are characterized on the one hand by the fact that, after leaving the scientific institution, they have usually gained complementary knowledge and experience in very different professional fields over many years and have built up their own networks. On the other hand, they know their former institute, university or research institution very well - thematically and culturally - and in many cases are intrinsically motivated to give something back for their good education and in memory of a good time. Involvement in the KTT also provides alumni with the opportunity to become professionally involved.

Pioneering work in new networks

KIT is in active exchange with its many alumni - the alumni network extends all over the world and has more than 24,000 active members. An additional network association with a thematic focus on knowledge and technology transfer was founded in 2017. The KIT Industry Experts are specifically interested in innovative technologies and support scientists, founders, and KIT's innovation management as experienced advisors with specific industry knowledge.

Laura Bosch is co-founder and community manager of the KIT Industry Experts Network at KIT Innovation and Relations Management. As part of the project team, she created the workbook together with colleagues at KIT and HZDR in order to pass on the experience gained with alumni in knowledge and technology transfer. In the interview, she explains the background:

Why was this workbook created and who is it aimed at?

This workbook was created as a result of a four-year project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to design and launch activities to involve alumni in knowledge and technology transfer. This Workbook represents a great treasure of suggestions and information. We have incorporated into this Workbook our experiences over the past few years. This gives us the chance to show how great the potential of alumni involvement in knowledge and technology transfer is. A great wish is to animate and inspire as many people as possible with our workbook to think about the two fields of activity, KTT and alumni, together for once. The contents are particularly exciting for employees in the field of knowledge and technology transfer at scientific institutions. On the other hand, however, it is also of interest to those involved in alumni work, who can use the workbook to underpin and expand their alumni work.

What reasons do you see for investing in work with alumni in the field of KTT?

First and foremost, the great, sometimes unimagined potential. The alumni are a very diverse group, all of them are experts in their respective fields, and many of them enjoy and are interested in sharing their knowledge and experience and contributing to their alma mater. This holds a valuable treasure of expertise and know-how for KTT work. Alumni, on the other hand, get the chance to give back while staying informed about what is happening at their alma mater and expanding their network. Being able to draw on the alumni's input and knowledge when issues arise or for specific projects is a valuable resource for transfer work. Not to be forgotten are the personal relationships that are formed , which leads to shared activities being more fun.. Alumni are not only committed, but also reliable. On the other hand, alumni work offers the potential of actively involving alumni in the activities of their alma mater. Many have a keen interest in just that, and this is a good opportunity.

Will the KIE network continue beyond the end of the project and what is planned for the future?

The KIE network will continue to exist in any case. It has been an integral part of the transfer activities for some time now and is highly appreciated not only by alumni but also by colleagues and scientists. We would like to maintain the previous joint activities and supplement them with further projects and concerns. In addition, we have some new formats in mind that we would like to tackle gradually, such as digital focus rounds. Since we see ourselves as a living network, we continue to be open to ideas from the ranks of alumni, TTO colleagues or scientists. The network offers so much potential, so that we are looking forward to the next years. 

Contact

comments about this article

No comments

Write a comment

* These fields are required

Remember offer

No offers listed yet

This site uses third-party website tracking technologies to provide its services. I agree to this and can revoke or change my consent at any time with effect for the future.

Settings Refuse AcceptLegal NoticePrivacy Policy