Valorisation PracticesILI
Repurposing Technology and Data to Address Societal Challenges
At a Glance
- Helping publicly funded research create real societal value
- Supporting responsible and impact-oriented licensing
- Building a European network of Tech Transfer Facilities for Impact (TT4Is)
- Strengthening mission-driven innovation across research and technology
Unlocking the Full Impact Potential
Across Europe, universities and research and technology organisations generate knowledge, data and technologies with significant potential. Yet much of this potential remains underused. Some results do not progress beyond early stages. Others are commercialised, but their wider contribution to societal challenges is not fully explored. Technology transfer has traditionally focused on individual transactions and commercial return. While essential, this approach does not systematically consider how licensing decisions shape long-term societal outcomes. Intellectual property determines who can use a technology, under which conditions and for what purpose. At the same time, the policy environment is evolving. European strategies on climate, health, digitalisation and sustainability — reflected in frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — set clear expectations for research systems. Institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable societal contribution and responsible management of publicly funded innovation.
Practical Tools and a Coordinated Network
ILI supports institutions in aligning licensing and deployment strategies with broader societal objectives while maintaining economic viability. ILI is built around the Impact Licensing Toolkit, which combines methodology, training and decision-support tools. It introduces systematic technology screening that assesses market potential and societal relevance, and guides organisations in shaping licensing agreements that reflect commercial and public value objectives. It also supports the integration of impact criteria into internal decision-making and contractual terms, making them part of regular technology transfer practice. Applying technologies in societal contexts can also generate user feedback, performance data and application experience. These insights can inform further development and strengthen long-term commercial positioning. To reinforce implementation, ILI is establishing a European network of Tech Transfer Facilities for Impact (TT4Is). These facilities provide specialised expertise and connect organisations with industry partners, public institutions and impact-focused investors, helping translate strategic choices into concrete deployment pathways.
