Skills4Valorisation

Europe produces world-class research, yet much knowledge remains underused, fuelling the “European paradox”: scientific excellence but weak innovation uptake. This gap undermines competitiveness and societal impact. The ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, via ERA Action 7, calls for upgraded EU guidance on knowledge valorisation, reinforced by the Council Recommendation on Guiding Principles (EU 2022/2415) and the Codes of Practice on Intellectual Asset Management and Industry–Academia Co-creation. Together, they call for a shift from narrow IP management to holistic, ecosystem-wide valorisation. Knowledge and Technology Transfer Offices are central to this transition, yet many lack the professionalisation, resources and skills needed. Capacities remain uneven across Europe, particularly in Widening countries, and academic careers still undervalue valorisation activities. Gender imbalances persist, with women and diverse groups underrepresented in leadership roles. Skills4Valorisation addresses these challenges by upgrading the skills and services of KTO/TTO professionals in universities and research performing organisations. The project will map and benchmark practices, develop a European competence framework, design training modules and service-adaptation toolkits, and validate them with practitioners. Through 2 open calls, 20 pilot projects will adapt and embed modern valorisation services, ensuring strong involvement from Widening countries and women-led teams. Pilots will be supported by mentoring, peer learning and an AI Innovation Companion Tool to guide early-stage innovators. The consortium, led by SPLORO with partners MWC, EurA and SCE brings expertise in cascade funding, training, tech transfer, entrepreneurship education and large-scale networking. Skills4Valorisation will empower KTOs/TTOs to transform research into societal and economic value, strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem, and ensure the ERA delivers on its ambitions.