Ireland's Knowledge Transfer momentum accelerates in 2024

Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI), the national office supporting businesses in accessing expertise, technology, and intellectual property from publicly funded research organisations, today published its Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey for 2024 which highlights continued growth and resilience across Ireland’s research and innovation landscape. The report, which monitors knowledge transfer activity nationwide, reveals significant progress in collaborative research, consultancy, spinout company formation, and intellectual property (IP) commercialisation.

The survey draws on data from a broad range of publicly funded Research Performing Organisations (RPOs), including eight universities, five technological universities, two institutes of technology, two colleges, and state research bodies such as Teagasc, the Marine Institute, and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).

In 2024, a total of 932 collaborative research agreements were signed between RPOs and industry partners, with 60% involving Irish SMEs. These collaborations spanned from Innovation Voucher projects to large-scale strategic research initiatives. A further 378 collaborations were recorded with non-commercial entities, reflecting the wide-reaching societal impact of publicly funded research.

The year also saw the signing of 754 research consultancy agreements with companies, enabling the direct application of academic expertise to industry challenges. An additional 206 consultancy agreements were concluded with public and non-profit organisations.

Ireland’s research institutions reported the creation of 25 new spinout companies in 2024, bringing the total number of active spinouts to 166, collectively employing 2,098 people. This growth underscores the increasing contribution of academic entrepreneurship to Ireland’s innovation economy.

Intellectual property activity also strengthened, with 221 licences, options, and assignments (LOAs) executed—representing a 7% increase on the previous year.  Software and patented technologies accounted for the majority of these transactions, comprising 15% and 24% respectively.

Total research expenditure reached €880 million in 2024, an increase of €46 million year-on-year. The university sector accounted for 76% of this investment, followed by technological universities and institutes of technology (14%), and colleges and state research organisations (10%).

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said, “I welcome the publication of the Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey for 2024 and the overall positive trajectory reflected in this year’s data, which highlights the national significance of the survey in demonstrating the value and outputs of the research and innovation eco-system in Ireland. The AKTS 2024 shows an upward trend from 2023 with an increase in IP licenses registered and a 5% increase in research investment by third level institutions. The report highlights the importance of continued engagement between the enterprise base and research performing organisations to leverage the expertise available, allowing them to improve their own innovation capacity and maintain competitiveness in the economy. 

Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI), part of Enterprise Ireland, is the national office supporting businesses in accessing expertise, technology, and intellectual property from publicly funded research organisations.

Christian Stafford, Head of Knowledge Transfer Ireland at Enterprise Ireland said, “The findings of the Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2024 reaffirm the vital role of collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector in driving innovation, economic development, and societal benefit. The results of the 12th annual survey published today point to solid increases in levels of IP licensing activity, spin-out company formation and new innovative products and services coming to market. KTI’s mission is to is to make it easier for businesses to access publicly funded research and Enterprise Ireland through KTI will continue its work with the Research Performing Organisation’s on this important agenda of supporting and encouraging innovation across the entire business landscape.”

KTI Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2024 here 

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