Europe's technology transfer challenge: turning research into market success

Europe has world-class science, leading universities and globally recognised public research organisations. Over the past two decades these public research actors have become increasingly active in European patenting. Thus the question is not whether Europe can invent, but rather if Europe has the right tools to turn inventions into products, companies, industrial partnerships and societal impact.

Technology transfer offices (TTOs) are central to solving this. They help identify promising research results, shape intellectual property strategies, connect inventors with industry and investors, and support the path from laboratory discovery to market application. Yet TTOs operate in very different institutional, financial and policy environments across Europe. Understanding how they work, how they differ and what support they need is essential for designing better innovation policies.

This event, in partnership with the Association of European Science and Technology Transfer Professionals (ASTP), brings together senior voices from research and technology organisations, as well as inventors and members of the technology transfer community. Their discussion will aim to answer a central question critical for Europe’s future: how can technology transfer become a stronger engine of competitiveness, technological sovereignty and growth?

The event will present new insights from the EPO Observatory study on TTOs, developed in collaboration with ASTP. A conversation with ASTP will introduce selected findings, followed by a two-part panel discussion on how to strengthen Europe’s technology transfer ecosystem. These exchanges will focus on practical improvements which can be made, covering funding, professionalisation, IP strategy, earlier industry engagement, PATLIBs and wider support networks.