Knowledge transfer

Objectives and measures of the Sustainability Strategy in the area of knowledge transfer
Student Helen Würflein explains sustainability measures in the area of knowledge transfer.

The successful exchange of knowledge and insights, of different perspectives and experiences between researchers and other stakeholders in society (in short: knowledge transfer) is key to a successful transformation towards sustainability.

Politics, businesses and civil society can benefit from academic expertise when it comes to understanding, living with and making decisions to shape this transformation. This is especially true when transformation processes prove to be difficult and unclear or when they involve a high degree of uncertainty.

Incorporating non-academic perspectives can also enrich our research, inspire new questions and contribute solutions to existing problems. Supporting societal transformations requires dialogue, multi-directional forms of exchange, and a culture of openness that is willing to incorporate external innovations and ideas.

Our impact on society is diverse. It includes traditional forms of technology and knowledge transfer (with a focus on their application and economic utilization) but also contributions to politics, society and culture.

Researchers from all departments at our University help to shape transformation towards sustainability through technological innovations, advisory services, social engagement and science communication measures. By using these channels, we strive to actively contribute to transformative change, break down barriers to understanding between research and society, and enable broad and equal access to knowledge.

The University itself is also a testing ground for sustainable development where both academic and non-academic staff work together to achieve our shared vision of becoming a sustainable university.

In our effort to drive societal and environmental transformations and incorporate impulses from society into our own structures, we are guided by the following basic understanding of knowledge transfer for sustainable development and the resulting objectives and measures:

T.1 Facilitating access to expert knowledge

We are committed to facilitating access to existing expertise on sustainability for all stakeholder groups in society and to creating a space for public debates on sustainability.

  • T.1.1 Friedrich Schiller University Jena increases the visibility of knowledge and activities related to sustainability in academic and non-academic areas.

    We have already developed expertise on sustainability topics in both academic and non-academic areas. However, this knowledge is often not visible and has not been made accessible in a structured way. This means that we cannot fully exploit its positive impact and potential for knowledge transfer.

    In order to promote societal transformations towards sustainability, we will facilitate access to existing expertise and encourage our members to share their knowledge with external stakeholders. We will also encourage them to use their knowledge and insights to contribute to sustainable development.

    • T.1.1.1 Further developing the Green Office as a central contact point for external stakeholders and matters related to sustainability
    • T.1.1.2 Introducing sustainability categories for our database of experts
    • T.1.1.3 Supporting researchers in delivering the 'Rent a Scientist' service through Communications and Marketing
    • T.1.1.4 Creating a key visual element for sustainability to be used in our communications
    • T.1.1.5 Developing staff training on knowledge management and knowledge exchange
  • T.1.2 Friedrich Schiller University Jena creates a space for public debates and increases its presence in societal discourses on sustainability.

    As a stakeholder in society, the University of Jena helps to shape public debates and supports evidence-based decision making. In offering information, education and advisory services, our research knowledge can have a real impact on society.

    We aim to be visible in public debates on sustainability and to increase our engagement with non-academic groups through relevant digital platforms, especially at a regional level.

    • T.1.2.1 Developing a portable outreach kit to present insights from the University’s sustainability research at the regional level and beyond
    • T.1.2.2 Collaborating with the city of Jena to establish a sustainability theme for the Long Night of the Sciences
    • T.1.2.3 Further developing educational and interactive engagement opportunities for interested citizens and opening suitable lectures to the general public
    • T.1.2.4 Building an 'Open Sustainable Campus Lab' as part of the Nucleus Jena project as a testing ground for various formats that promote sustainable development
    • T.1.2.5 Creating and establishing the FORUM communication centre as a place for public engagement
    • T.1.2.6 Cooperating with our partners from JenaVersum in sustainability events
  • T.1.3 Friedrich Schiller University Jena promotes training opportunities to improve communication and outreach skills.

    Our outreach measures aim to make information and knowledge more accessible to a broad audience. Science communication tailored to the intended audience drives and facilitates societal transformations towards sustainability. This is based on the fact that effective communication can help people to understand complex issues, strengthen their trust in research and increase societal support for evidence-based decisions.

    We therefore aim to improve the communication and outreach skills of our members in order to increase and enhance their science communication activities.

    • T.1.3.1 Expanding our advisory services for writing effective grant applications
    • T.1.3.2 Budgeting sustainability outreach projects
    • T.1.3.3 Developing targeted science communication training for professors
    • T.1.3.4 Continuously evaluating and maintaining needs-based qualification programmes in science communication at the Graduate Academy
    • T.1.3.5 Developing science communication training for students
    • T.1.3.6 Developing and publishing a collection of good practices in science communication at our University

T.2 Incorporating external perspectives and driving change together

We are committed to continuously incorporating external perspectives and ideas. This includes working with social stakeholders in suitable formats to address the sustainability challenges ahead and to find appropriate solutions.

  • T.2.1 Friedrich Schiller University Jena promotes a culture that values non-academic perspectives and supports its researchers in cooperating with external stakeholders.

    Successfully incorporating societal knowledge into research requires an appreciative attitude and suitable engagement opportunities for non-academic stakeholders. We aim to collaborate more closely with citizens, businesses, and stakeholders in civil society and to develop the skills needed for public engagement.

    • T.2.1.1 Providing good practice guidelines for running engagement events (e.g. citizen dialogues)
    • T.2.1.2 Creating a platform calling on businesses, local authorities, and associations to submit proposals for final projects related to sustainability
  • T.2.2 Friedrich Schiller University Jena contributes to the sustainable development of our city and region.

    Our University is the largest employer in Jena and shapes the city’s image. Working closely with municipal administrations holds great potential for the sustainable development of our city and region, something from which both the University and local society can benefit.

    • T.2.2.1 Promoting local development strategies in partnership with JenaVersum  
    • T.2.3.2 Engaging with the city of Jena’s 'Globally Sustainable Municipality in Thuringia' project
    • T.2.2.3 Engaging with the city of Jena’s 'Smart City' project
    • T.2.2.4 Participating in activities that promote sustainability in cooperation with the city of Jena (e.g. European Mobility Week)
  • T.2.3 Friedrich Schiller University Jena promotes an international and multi-directional knowledge transfer to strengthen global perspectives on sustainability challenges.

    Societal transformation towards sustainability is a global task that requires context-specific solutions. International cooperation can offer a more diverse perspective on sustainability issues and promote unconventional solutions for both sides. We aim to intensify cooperation with international partners in the field of sustainability and to initiate opportunities for mutual learning.

    • T.2.3.1 Continuing and intensifying projects related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as part of the European University Alliance EC2U and in cooperation with associated partners
    • T.2.3.2 Collecting and publishing good practices of international knowledge transfer projects related to sustainability
    • T.2.3.3 Raising awareness for postcolonial perspectives and issues by offering training on international knowledge transfer activities 

T.3 Shaping sustainable knowledge transfer

We are committed to making knowledge transfers socially and environmentally sustainable and to rewarding relevant efforts of our members.

  • T.3.1 Friedrich Schiller University Jena prioritizes cooperation with stakeholders who act sustainably.

    When it comes to knowledge transfer, we strive to cooperate with stakeholders who already act sustainably or can demonstrate that they are making plausible efforts to align their actions more closely with sustainable criteria. Our cooperation is diverse and often accessible to many different actors. This is why we expect all university members to take responsibility. Contractual cooperation agreements should include concrete measures.

    • T.3.1.1 Developing a catalogue of criteria for selecting cooperation partners
    • T.3.1.2 Introducing regulations for sustainability in cooperation agreements
  • T.3.2 Friedrich Schiller University Jena delivers knowledge transfer in a resource-friendly and socially sustainable manner.

    Activities carried out as part of our knowledge transfer projects (e.g. networking meetings or running events) should have as little environmental impact as possible and be based on social sustainability criteria.

    • T.3.2.1 Complying with internal guidelines when planning and delivering knowledge transfer events
    • T.3.2.2 Avoiding resource-intensive interactions with cooperation partners (e.g. through sustainable travel behaviour)
    • T.3.2.3 Developing recommendations for promoting social sustainability in knowledge transfer projects (e.g. by reducing hierarchies and considering diversity criteria)
  • T.3.3 Friedrich Schiller University Jena reduces disadvantages in academic careers by recognizing knowledge transfer efforts.

    Evaluating the performance of academic staff has traditionally focused on criteria such as publications, third-party funding and teaching evaluations. Transfer efforts are not included in this evaluation, or only to a limited extent. We aim to address this imbalance by ensuring an appropriate recognition of transfer activities.

    • T.3.3.1 Developing recommendations for an increased recognition of transfer activities in performance evaluations (especially in appointment procedures)
    • T.3.3.2 Systematically documenting knowledge transfer efforts at different organizational levels of the University
Information

This spreadsheetThis link requires a loginde (German only) contains details of the objectives and measures in each of the five areas and provides an insight into the current status of implementation. It also lists the parties involved and examples of best practice (updated in March 2024).