In an era defined by geopolitical tensions, climate crises, economic uncertainty, and social unrest, unlocking the full societal potential of scientific knowledge has never been more essential. Universities, as key drivers of innovation, hold a central role in this process. The European Union has acknowledged this by placing knowledge valorisation as a key tool for advancing towards a knowledge-driven economy and society.
Knowledge valorisation is about ensuring that the knowledge generated through research has a tangible societal impact. This process transforms academic insights into real-world solutions, fostering positive change across various sectors. While YERUN universities and others across Europe are making progress, much of the societal potential of research remains unexplored.
YERUN’s Role and Recommendations
YERUN universities are actively engaged in both producing knowledge and working to apply that knowledge to societal challenges. However, they still face an “opportunity gap”, where the full societal value of their research isn’t always realised. To close this gap, a more pluralistic and inclusive understanding of the value created by research is necessary. This calls for expanding the focus of valorisation beyond the economic sphere and acknowledge the broader benefits research can bring to society.
In the paper on Knowledge Valorisation, YERUN has identified three key areas where policy changes and support are crucial:
- Raising awareness of the broader societal value of knowledge valorisation.
- Improving research assessment mechanisms to better capture societal impact.
- Engaging more systematically with citizens and other key stakeholders.
Best Practices for Impact
It is precisely the focus on societal impact that has been at the centre in recent discussions at a European event on Knowledge Valorisation entitled: “Research in Action: how to define, measure and communicate the societal impact of your work?”. The event was organised by the Directorate-General for Research & Innovation (DG RTD), and chaired by Maria Cristina Russo, Director of ‘Prosperity’ at DG RTD.
A standout contribution to the recent discussions on knowledge valorisation came from Hélder Lopes, Director of Research and Innovation Services at NOVA University in Lisbon, YERUN member. In 2023, NOVA launched the NOVA Research Impact Narratives Challenge, an initiative aimed at fostering a stronger research impact culture. The challenge empowers researchers to bridge the gap between science and society by communicating the value of their work in ways that resonate beyond academic circles. The goal is to highlight how research can influence not only scientific communities but also policymaking, business and daily lives.
Hélder Lopes explained that the initiative is part of a broader vision to instill a deeper understanding of research impact across the university. The challenge encourages researchers to articulate how their work contributes to societal progress, creating a new culture of collaboration between academics and external stakeholders such as industries, NGOs, and government bodies.
The Research Impact Narratives Challenge has already produced significant outcomes, with more than 350 researchers taking part as team members cited in the 54 applications received in only two editions (2023 and 2024). The initiative’s success is built on several key ingredients:
- Benchmarking international best practices: Drawing inspiration from frameworks like the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF), NOVA created an approach that aligns with global standards of impact assessment.
- Resources and support: NOVA developed a toolkit to help researchers navigate the complex landscape of research impact, equipping them with the tools needed to build compelling impact narratives.
- Transparent evaluation: Submissions are assessed by an external expert jury, ensuring that the process is guided by clear, fair criteria.
- Incentives and recognition: Winning narratives are showcased at institutional events and through NOVA’s communication channels, offering recognition and visibility, along with a financial prize for top submissions.
- Momentum: increasing importance of research impact for funding and assessment.
- Advertising & Communications across all schools.
- Visionary Leadership: engagement and support from senior university figures helping to drive a culture of impact throughout the institution.
- Expert training: webinars with international specialist on research impact and narrative writing.
Hélder stressed that research impact is not a solo effort; it requires collaboration across disciplines and sectors. The challenge has inspired researchers to think more broadly about the societal implications of their work, leading to new partnerships and increased engagement with industry, policymakers, and communities.
Through the challenge, NOVA University is demonstrating how universities can foster a culture of impact by encouraging researchers to communicate their findings in ways that are accessible and relevant to the general public. Hélder emphasised that by creating a shared understanding of the value of research, universities can inspire other institutions to adopt similar approaches. This is very relevant to the ongoing discussions on research assessment and the need to diversity research outputs and their recognition.
This example showcases how knowledge valorisation can be successfully applied, reinforcing the idea that research impact goes far beyond economic returns. By fostering a research culture that prioritises societal benefits, universities like NOVA are setting an example for institutions across Europe, showing that impact is indeed a “team sport.”
Another inspiring case came from Laura Valkeasuo from the University of Helsinki, which has integrated impact into its institutional strategy. Their motto, “With the power of knowledge, we can change people, attitudes, and society,” exemplifies the potential of research to drive societal change.
To help researchers identify and communicate the societal impact of their work, Helsinki has developed a free online course titled Researchers Online Course on Research Impact, hosted on the DigiCampus platform. This course offers a variety of tools to help researchers from all disciplines understand and communicate the societal implications of their work, while encouraging productive dialogue at different stages of the research process.
Knowledge Valorisation Beyond the Economic Perspective
These examples highlight a crucial point: knowledge valorisation must go beyond economic returns. Universities must be empowered with policies that support the full spectrum of societal benefits their research can deliver. Research impact extends to many facets of life – health, culture, policy, and education. But for valorisation to be fully effective, researchers need clear incentives, robust support structures, and transparent assessment mechanisms.
As Tomas de Groot, from the Social Innovation Factory, emphasised during the event, measuring research impact is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders and various dimensions. For universities to truly embed societal value creation into their research, it is essential to adopt shared impact measurements and build multidisciplinary approaches.
Practical Takeaways for Universities
To advance knowledge valorisation, universities should:
- Create an enabling environment for researchers, offering training, support, and recognition for efforts to engage with societal stakeholders.
- Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and engagement with communities, governments, and industry.
- Develop clear impact narratives that translate complex research into understandable and actionable insights for the public.
- Use best practices from initiatives like NOVA’s Impact Narratives Challenge and the University of Helsinki’s course to support researchers in bridging the gap between science and society.
In conclusion, knowledge valorisation is not just about economic gain – it’s about fostering a culture of impact that spans all facets of society. By doing so, universities can unlock their full potential, ensuring that the knowledge they generate truly serves the common good.
