IHS workshop ‘Pathways to a transfer-friendly university’ in Kassel Date: , Theme: Workshop
On 9 and 10 June 2026, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) invited the project teams from the “Innovative Hochschule” (Innovative Universities) to the University of Kassel to discuss the development of transfer skills, knowledge management and a culture of knowledge transfer.
A transfer-friendly university has structures that contribute to effective knowledge transfer, and additionally fosters a culture of transfer, develops transfer skills and utilises a wide range of tools to make knowledge available to staff efficiently. During the specialist presentations, working groups and a fishbowl discussion, the participants exchanged views on these topics. They also learnt how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are achieved in Kassel in collaboration with the IHS’s industry partners.
Keynote: If you want knowledge transfer, learn how to play the piano
The event started with a keynote speech entitled ‘If you want knowledge transfer, learn how to play the piano’ delivered by Dr Isabel Roessler from the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE). Dr Roessler argued that a culture conducive to knowledge transfer does not arise from occasional one-off activities, but requires a systematic culture, structures and continuous practice, comparable to learning to play a musical instrument. For “the greatest challenge” [in knowledge transfer] “is the consolidation and establishment of a genuine culture of knowledge transfer”, explained Dr Roessler.
The subsequent workshops, presentations and discussions addressed key aspects of developing transfer competence and knowledge management. On the second day of the workshop, participants discussed the practical implementation of a culture of knowledge transfer. In a fishbowl discussion, various approaches adopted by universities were presented, such as the structured onboarding of new professors with a focus on knowledge transfer. The participants showed great enthusiasm and emphasised in their contributions that incentive and recognition schemes, the right mindset among staff, and quality assurance are equally important elements of a good transfer culture.
The workshop concluded with small-groups walks, which provided insights into the project network of the IHS project SDGplusUniKassel and allowed participants to experience a variety of knowledge transfer formats first-hand.