Knowledge Valorisation in a nutshell
Knowledge valorisation is about ensuring that knowledge does not remain unused, but contributes to addressing societal challenges and creating broader value.
What is knowledge valorisation?
Knowledge valorisation (KV) refers to the process of turning knowledge – whether generated through research, practice, or experience – into value for society. This value can be economic, social, cultural, or environmental. Importantly, KV is not only about sharing results, but about ensuring that knowledge is actively taken up, used, and creates tangible benefits.
In recent years, knowledge valorisation has become a growing priority at the European level, particularly within the European Research Area (ERA). The ERA is a long-term EU initiative aimed at creating a unified research and innovation system across Europe – where knowledge, researchers, and technologies can move freely, and where countries work together to address shared challenges.
Within this framework, efforts are underway to strengthen the links between research, innovation, and society, ensuring that knowledge is not only produced, but also used to generate wider societal value.
From knowledge to societal engagement
Knowledge valorisation is closely connected to societal engagement. It recognises that knowledge becomes more valuable when it is developed with and for society.
This includes:
- Engaging citizens in research and innovation processes
- Co-creating knowledge with different stakeholders
- Making research outcomes accessible and meaningful beyond academia
Rather than a one-way transfer of knowledge, KV promotes a more interactive approach, where dialogue, participation, and mutual learning play a central role.
What is happening at EU level
The European Commission has placed increasing emphasis on knowledge valorisation as part of its research and innovation policy, particularly within the European Research Area (ERA). Knowledge valorisation is now recognised as a structural priority, with a focus on improving how knowledge is taken up and used across sectors.
This is reflected in several key developments and resources:
- ERA Policy Agenda
Knowledge valorisation is embedded as a priority area, with actions aimed at strengthening the societal use and impact of research - Codes of Practice
Guidance such as the Code of Practice on Citizen Engagement supports organisations in involving citizens more effectively in research and innovation processes - Knowledge Valorisation Platform
A central hub providing case studies, tools, and examples of how knowledge valorisation is implemented in practice across Europe - Fostering knowledge valorisation through citizen engagement
An analysis of citizen engagement for knowledge valorisation practices, drawing on 60 selected case studies from 37 countries, across the EU and internationally. - Fostering knowledge valorisation through the arts and cultural institutions
This study by the European Commission (2022) highlights the role of arts and cultural organisations in connecting knowledge with society and broadening its impact - INSPIRING ERA – Knowledge Valorisation
An overview of EU policy developments, activities and resources
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader shift in EU policy: knowledge valorisation is no longer seen only in terms of commercialisation, but increasingly includes social, cultural, and societal value, with citizen engagement playing a central role.
Public & Science Sweden contributes to ongoing developments in knowledge valorisation at both national and European levels.
Some activities include:
- As part of the EU INSPIRING ERA project, organising an online event on turning knowledge into impact, bringing together perspectives on how research can create societal value
- Conducting interviews with Swedish stakeholders to better understand needs, challenges, and opportunities related to knowledge valorisation, the results of which are published in an INSPIRING ERA policy brief.
- As a partner in Rock Your Research, an Erasmus+ project exploring how the arts can contribute to knowledge valorisation through co-creation and transdisciplinary collaboration between research and society.
In short
Knowledge valorisation is about ensuring that knowledge does not remain unused, but contributes to addressing societal challenges and creating broader value. As it becomes more prominent in EU policy, it provides a framework for connecting research, engagement, and impact in more systematic and inclusive ways.
Created: 30 September 2026
Last edited: 01 October 2026