Knowledge Exchange is the on-going exchange of knowledge, where individuals, universities, industries, public and third-sector organisations collaborate by sharing expertise, insights, and resources. This dynamic process is known as knowledge exchange (KE) and it can to turn new ideas into practical solutions that drive progress, efficiency, value and lead to innovation.
The Knowledge Exchange Concordat defined Knowledge Exchange as:
Knowledge Exchange (KE) is the two-way exchange of knowledge, expertise, and capabilities between higher education institutions (HEIs) and external partners (businesses, government bodies, non-profits, and communities).
The goal is to create social, cultural, and economic benefits. KE includes activities like research commercialisation, consultancy, public engagement, collaborative research, policy advising, and community outreach.
Typical activities include:
- Consultancy
- Professional, short courses and CPD
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
- Public and community engagement
- Student enterprise
Knowledge exchange accelerates commercialisation by transforming innovative ideas and research into intellectual property that can be licensed or developed into a new spin-out company.
