We develop innovative content and formats for university teaching and training, as well as new methods and demand-based guidelines for non-university research institutions, in order to promote and strengthen transfer practice in the German innovation system.

TEACHING

Engineering for Impact – Responsible Innovations

In summer semester 2021, Transferwissenschaft offers the popular undergraduate seminar Engineering for Impact for the third time. Students focus on questions such as how science can benefit society, and how technology can be developed responsibly and sustainably. The course is aimed at everyone who wants to acquire practical skills in the field of responsible innovation and impact of research.

The seminar offers an introduction to methods and models of knowledge and technology transfer. Theory-focused lectures are accompanied by practical exercises. In additional lectures and online workshops with external practice partners, students get the opportunity to develop their own practical transfer skills. Students also gain insights into science communication. At the end of the course, students will be able to identify the economic and social benefits of knowledge transfer, reflect on current societal issues, and apply their new skills in practice.

Thies Johannsen (johannsen@tu-berlin.de) is happy to answer any questions about content, examinations, registration, and credits. You can find more information on TU Berlin’s ISIS and Moses websites.

TOOLS & METHODS

Strengthening Transfer Practice

Impact Circle: Tool for Integrated Sustainability

Sustainability in innovation processes, but how? The Impact Circle Tool developed by Caro Stoeckermann and Marc Karahan on the basis of extensive research makes it possible to overcome and combine the conflicting goals of sustainability and creative ideation. This makes the Impact Circle an effective and indispensable tool for the strategic development of sustainable business opportunities.

Strong Tools for Successful Transfer

A core competence of the Center for Responsible Research and Innovation (CeRRI) at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) is the development of tools for optimizing and redesigning innovation processes. This includes methods and tools that contribute to strengthening the transfer practices of research organizations and companies.

LITERATURE

Knowledge and Technology Transfer Studies

Our meta-analysis of research literature identified a number of seminal research papers on knowledge and technology transfer. The papers provide a good overview of existing research on this topic. In the course of our research project, we will add further literature recommendations to this list.

Do you know of other exciting texts on knowledge and technology transfer that we should know? We look forward to your recommendations!