The programme is packed with current topics. This includes the use of artificial intelligence in transfer, data management, tools for evaluating scientific discoveries, and social innovation for effective knowledge transfer.
Some 250 participants from Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, Chile and South Africa drew inspiration from workshops and knowledge exchanges.
“I can compare and the Estonian meeting once again maintained the excellent professional level of ASTP events. I especially appreciated the perfect preparation of the organizers, the wide range of thematic workshops with a number of interactive elements and space for networking,” says Klára Langerová, Head of Transfer Development at CeTTAV.
The conference programme included a wide range of topics such as Overcoming Barriers between Industry and Academia, Knowledge Exchange, European Light Industry Innovation and Technology Project, etc.
What caught your attention?
„The workshop by Tom Flanagan – How to say no to researchers or industry – was great, in which we focused on everything from body language to proper verbal communication, which primarily affects how the other party will react to our NO. I was also intrigued by Sean Fielding’s workshop where we created a transfer strategy. I took a lot of notes from the workshop Identifying, Managing and Evaluating Impact in Knowledge Valorization that Alexis Dewaele led us through,” adds Klára Langerová and answers other questions.
The meeting was a space for exchange of information. Did you bring ideas, suggestions that could be used?
„I’m sure I did. It was interesting to discover that in many countries transfer offices face similar challenges to ours. I also brought a lot of business cards from foreign colleagues and enthusiasm for new international cooperation.”
Do you think it makes sense to be involved in this multinational organisation and why?
“ASTP has been operating for more than two decades not only as a training organization, but also as a great tool for connecting transfer agents from all over the world. In addition to events, it also offers access to a digital resource library where you can pick up lots of interesting information. Moreover, several foreign colleagues mentioned to me during networking that they would like to visit Prague. So the annual conference in Prague is definitely food for thought. From the Czech Republic, Hana Kosová from CPPT is on the ASTP board, thanks to whose initiative the SSHA SIG meeting was held in Prague this April.”
What about an evening networking or what city is Tallinn?
“Tallinn is a very friendly city with less than half a million inhabitants. By the way, it is also a former Hanseatic city from which you will be impressed by the mixture of cultures and architectural styles. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit. We also visited the local LifeArc science and technology park and had the opportunity to tour and dine at the Seaplane Harbour museum, which was a spectacular experience. We also got to the district Kalamaja, thanks to local transfer agents, where we tasted local beer, wine and, for the more adventurous, gin.” adds Klára Langerová from CeTTAV.
