Where is the social impact? Key barriers to knowledge valorisation

Knowledge valorisation, the process of transforming research outputs into societal, economic, and environmental value, remains a significant challenge for many research institutions, particularly in achieving measurable social impact. While knowledge commercialisation has gained prominence, the broader valorisation process is hindered by barriers that are often poorly understood. This study explores these barriers through partially standardized, in-depth interviews conducted in 2023 with representatives from 13 research units across five countries. Key findings reveal that researchers face constraints such as insufficient time, lack of awareness, and limited engagement, compounded by inadequate financial support for valorisation projects. A novel barrier identified is the absence of robust metrics to assess social impact – a critical gap not observed in knowledge commercialisation. These insights provide actionable recommendations for researchers, managers, and university leaders to enhance the knowledge valorisation process and its societal contributions. The study underscores the need for systemic changes to address these challenges and foster impactful collaborations between academia and broader society.