What is Knowledge Transfer?
Knowledge transfer is the two-way flow and uptake of ideas between the University of Melbourne and the broader community. It is the third strand of the University’s Growing Esteem strategy (alongside research and teaching and learning), and is underpinned by three principles.
These principles are that it:
- Creates intellectual capital in ways that mutually benefit the University and its external partners.
- Is linked to the University’s teaching and research activities.
- Responds to global, social, economic, environmental and cultural issues.
Knowledge transfer covers myriad dealings between the University and its external partners, and creates benefits that flow in both directions as the community gains from the expertise of the University’s staff and students, and the University becomes better informed by ideas and experiences from beyond its boundaries.
Activities defined as knowledge transfer range from appearances in the media and at public forums to participation in bilateral projects, the commercial development of research, the application of expertise through partnerships and internships, and the inclusion of broader community influences in the curriculum to enhance the attributes of graduates.
Examples of outcomes achieved through the University’s approach to knowledge transfer include the establishment of new start-up companies, policy uptake, programs that directly affect the personal development of groups or communities, the introduction of new standards in overseas countries, and new operational techniques achieved through daily interaction with patients and clients.
Whether the issue being addressed impacts at a local community or global level, the University’s contribution must be marked by its reputation for excellence and highest quality endeavours.