Knowledge Transfer > What is knowledge transfer? Some background and definitions Ms Brooke Young, Economics & Commerce Why knowledge transfer is important in a university context Dr Ross Coller, Science What we can do to facilitate knowledge transfer, what is our role? Ms Teresa Tjia, School of Graduate Studies

What is knowledge transfer? Background > We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Buddha, founder of Buddhism Inaugural Conference: Knowledge Transfer and Engagement: Examining higher education’s contribution to the knowledge economy

Knowledge transfer – some definitions > ExpertKnowledge transfer is about the human activities involved in sharing, creating new ideas, generating insight and learning. DC Hurst, S MacDougall AcademicWe used to be focussed on the dissemination of information; just putting ideas out there. Transfer implies a two-way interaction and engagement. Community members i) I think of knowledge transfer as how the university impacts on my life without stepping onto campus. ii) Effective sharing of ideas, knowledge and experience between units in a company or from a company to customers. PoliticianOver the centuries they [universities] have made a massive contribution to the world, generating and validating ideas, transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next and solving the most complex of society’s problems. Alexander Downer, April 06

University of Melbourne’s definition > Knowledge transfer is a direct, two-way interaction between the University and its external communities, involving the development, exchange and application of knowledge and expertise for mutual benefit. University of Melbourne, Growing Esteem Strategic Plan 2006

Knowledge transfer: Some examples > Making medical curriculum available to an overseas partner Commercialising research International student exchange Young alumni function held at accounting firm Fundraising for a new building Expert comment in the media Conferences Concert or art exhibition KPMG and University of Melbourne jointly develop and deliver short course on treasury management Lectures on campus for VCE students and their teachers Criteria? - Development of knowledge - Exchange of knowledge - Application of knowledge

Knowledge Transfer Process > Research - Knowledge generation Publish - Peer review as quality check Develop - End user materials Disseminate - Teaching, conferences, workshops Evaluate - Adoption, impact

Knowledge Transfer Process > Relationship building Information flow (2 way) Opportunity recognition Material Flows ($, contracts, seminar) Market Orientation

Knowledge Transfer Drivers > The meaning of a University? Our values, culture and history Benefits to society Relevance –Reduced government funding –International numbers flat Reputation –Increasing competition –Development of ranking

Role of academic staff and departments Third strand of activity – research, teaching and/or public engagement Planned, strategic and recognised: complements research & teaching activities, skills sets of staff, and evaluated Change of mindset for all activities: research and teaching Are we doing it already? >

New Areas? > Addressing questions faced by the community - Applied research and consultancies Public discourse and media presence Serving on external boards An expectation of students

Knowledge Transfer: Good practice examples > What does your university do in this area? What are the barriers (challenges)? What can it do more of (opportunities)?

Resourcing Knowledge Transfer > ‘Can universities expect support for their ‘third mission’ activities?’ Knowledge Transfer & Engagement Forum June 2006 Government, Community, Philanthropy, Internal funds?

Measuring outcomes > How do we evaluate the outcomes – putting tangible values on intangibles Quantitative: media presence; projects/funding; active students and staff Qualitative: staff, student and community attitudes; graduate attributes; increased relevance; goodwill and respect; being close to ‘customers’

Questions? > Brooke Young, Ross Coller, Teresa Tjia,