FORTHEM strengthens collaboration between European universities and companies to bring research closer to the market and boost innovation.
The international event Connecting Knowledge to Industry, held on May 27–28, brought together European universities, companies, and innovation stakeholders of the FORTHEM alliance, with the aim of strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Organized within this European network, the event highlighted FORTHEM’s role as a key platform for promoting knowledge transfer at an international level, enabling the exchange of experiences among its member universities and fostering shared solutions to common challenges in innovation and scientific entrepreneurship.
Over the two days, researchers, institutional representatives, technology transfer professionals, and companies discussed key issues in bringing science closer to the market, such as university–industry collaboration in R&D&I projects, the valorisation of research results, and the creation of spin-offs. Through roundtables, workshops, and success stories, participants explored tools to enhance the commercial potential of scientific knowledge.
The event featured experts in innovation and entrepreneurship from various European institutions within FORTHEM, as well as academic and industry professionals. This international perspective enabled the comparison of knowledge transfer models and the identification of best practices applicable across different regional contexts.
One of the main challenges addressed was the gap between academic research and market needs. In this regard, initiatives such as industrial doctorates and proof-of-concept projects were highlighted as essential tools to increase the technological maturity of research outcomes and facilitate their practical application.
Beyond knowledge exchange, the event has reinforced FORTHEM as a strategic framework for connecting innovation, research, and industry across Europe, fostering dialogue among all stakeholders in the ecosystem. The initiative further strengthens the alliance’s commitment to research with social and economic impact.
