Knowledge Valorisation in Central and Eastern Europe: Policy and Institutional Developments

Policy and institutional developments related to knowledge valorisation in Central and Eastern Europe were discussed during a panel at the annual Science|Business conference held on 5 February 2026. 

The panel brought together Roland Jakab, Chief Executive Officer of the Hungarian Research Network (Hun-Ren); Leon Cizelj, Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia; Caroline Rute, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at Tallinn University of Technology; and Ivana Vuka, Senior Innovation Manager at the European IP Helpdesk. 

The discussion focused on the challenges faced by EU Widening countries in translating strong research performance into marketable solutions and societal impact. Participants noted that several countries in the region continue to face structural constraints, including limited technology transfer infrastructure, insufficient industry-academia linkages and funding mechanisms that are not always aligned with the long-term and non-linear nature of innovation processes. 

Speakers also referred to the need for clearer pathways and incentives for researchers to engage in knowledge valorisation activities. In addition to technology transfer offices, intermediaries such as incubators and science parks were identified as relevant actors in supporting the commercialisation of research results. 

At EU level, policy developments have aimed to address these challenges. In 2022, the European Union adopted recommendations on knowledge valorisation, encouraging Member States to strengthen the management of intellectual assets, promote standardisation, foster citizen engagement and enhance industry-academia co-creation. EU research funding programmes have also placed increasing emphasis on delivering societal and economic impact alongside scientific excellence. 

The discussion also referred to recent national developments. In Slovenia, the 2022 Act on Scientific Research and Innovation Activity led to the establishment of a new agency integrating research and innovation funding. In Hungary, a dedicated technology transfer entity has recently been created within the national research network to build innovation capacities and promote patenting, licensing and industrial collaboration. 

In addition to national measures, transnational initiatives contribute to supporting knowledge transfer in Widening countries. The European IP Helpdesk, through its consortium partners, provides guidance and training on intellectual property management for beneficiaries of EU-funded projects. Other EU-funded initiatives offer services such as intellectual property strategy support, pitching coaching and matchmaking activities to facilitate the exploitation of research results.