Universität zu Köln

Kley, Marc ORCID: 0009-0002-7826-0462, Mehlstäubl, Marita and Fußangel, Miriam (2025). The Cologne Model. Proactive Transfer Scouting as a Key Factor for Successful Start-up Universities - Impulses for Dialogue. Discussion Paper.

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Abstract

The white paper “The Cologne Model: Proactive Transfer Scouting as a Key Factor for Successful Start-up Universities – Impulses for Dialogue” describes the development, implementation, and institutional consolidation of the transfer scouting approach at the University of Cologne. As part of the funding provided by Exzellenz Start-up Center.NRW, cross-faculty structures have been established since 2019 to promote the systematic transfer of scientific knowledge into social, cultural, and economic innovations. A central component is the model of transfer scouts, who work as connecting actors between science, administration, and transfer structures. They identify potential, promote exchange, and develop faculty-specific strategies for knowledge and technology transfer. The white paper describes the matrix structure of the scouts, their role profiles, and the various fields of activity within and outside the university. Based on practical experience, success factors, challenges, and recommendations for the sustainable professionalization of transfer scouting are identified. The Cologne model shows that proactive transfer scouting strengthens the start-up activities and transfer culture of universities as a whole by more closely interlinking research, teaching, and social impact. The white paper is intended to serve as a source of inspiration for university administrators, transfer managers, and start-up promoters who want to strategically develop transfer structures and shape innovation ecosystems for the future.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Kley, Marc m.kley@gateway-unikoeln.de https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7826-0462 UNSPECIFIED Mehlstäubl, Marita m.mehlstaeubl@gateway-unikoeln.de UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Fußangel, Miriam m.fussangel@gateway-unikoeln.de UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Contributors:	Contribution Name Email Printmaker Schwenkler, Lana-Marie UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-793628
Date:	3 December 2025
Language:	English
Faculty:	Central Institutions / Interdisciplinary Research Centers
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	Generalities, Science Public administration
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Transfer Scouting English Technology Transfer English University Development English Innovation English Entrepreneurship English Science Communication English Knowledge Transfer English
Refereed:	No
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/79362