KTI publishes results of its Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey

The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey, a comprehensive report on knowledge transfer activities in Ireland, has today published its findings for the year 2022. The survey which collects data from Ireland’s Higher Education Institutes including eight Universities, five Technological Universities, two Institutes of Technology and two Colleges, also incorporates contributions from Teagasc, the Marine Institute and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).

Collaborative research projects between companies and Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) continues to be important for business. In 2022, a total of 1,179 R&D agreements were signed with companies ranging from small projects to larger scale research initiatives. There were 1,317 research projects live and ongoing between industry and RPOs by year end.

There were also 546 research consultancy agreements during 2022, projects through which the research results are transferred to companies and 75% of which involved Irish SMEs. Additionally, 506 R&D and Consultancy Agreements were signed with non-commercial entities during the year.

The survey reports 24 spinout companies emerging from eight research performing organisations in 2022 and found there were 152 Active Spinout companies at year end that together employ more than 1,500 people.

The survey also highlights the importance of intellectual property, licensing and assignments. In 2022, a total of 178 licenses, options and assignment (LOAs) were executed. Patents and software were the most common forms of intellectual property transferred to companies, representing 32% and 31% respectively.

Investment in research and development remains strong with a total research expenditure of €764m in 2022, an increase of €74m compared to the previous year. Notably, 7.5% of this expenditure was derived from industry. The university sector contributed to the majority of the expenditure at 75%, followed by the Technological University and Institutes of Technology sector at 15% and Colleges and State Research Organisations at 10%.

The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey provides valuable insights into the progress and trends in Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem. The findings underscore the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving economic growth and fostering innovation.