Knowledge Transfer at Europa-Universität Flensburg

At EUF, knowledge transfer is understood as the so-called "Third Mission" (teaching and research are the first and second missions, respectively) and broadly interpreted from least three perspectives. From an economic perspective, knowledge transfer involves applying academic findings to economic endeavors like new business startups, as well as to collaborative work with established (and especially regional) companies.

Then there is the socio-political perspective. Seen from this angle, the core research areas at EUF - Education, Teaching, School and Socialization, European Studies, and Transformation and Sustainability - provide a framework for addressing issues that are central to state, national, and EU-level political discourses. Providing this expertise to decision-makers is the second major pillar of the university's knowledge transfer efforts.

The third perspective has to do with the importance of communication within and with civil society, especially at the local and regional levels. Here it seems essential to view the university as part of civil society, and thus as an actor in relevant discussions.

EUF is involved in a wide range of knowledge transfer activities. To classify these various activities, we use the transfer fields defined by the Transfer Barometer. A joint effort of two German research associations, the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and the Helmholtz Association, the barometer is supported by the Mercator Foundation and the van Meeteren Foundation.

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