By Tanja Junge, University of Copenhagen  

Valorisation – a relatively unknown term in SSH research  

Through the investigations in the REVALORISE+ project, we found that the concept of valorisation was either relatively unknown or seemed to have somewhat negative connotations among researchers. Many related valorisation to making profits or developing a business: Something researchers of the Social Sciences and Humanities almost seemed to dislike. At the same time, our investigations showed a lack of formal valorisation training programmes at universities along with a general lack of awareness of the many opportunities for researchers to valorise their research. In short, valorisation and working systematically with creating value beyond academia is still a new thing at many universities across Europe.

Valorisation in research is an ongoing process that runs parallel to and is extensively intertwined with the actual research process. It cannot be identified in terms of its outcomes or impacts but should rather be recognised in terms of its intentions. To create value beyond academia, researchers must learn more about this process and the broad spectrum of activities it entails.

Valorisation activities can, for example, include creating networks, communicating research results to the outside world, creating an impact plan, drawing up a business plan or collaborating with external partners. Through the REVALORISE+ Lighthouse Stories which followed successful cases of valorisation, we learned that most researchers were driven by personal motivation to provide meaningful improvements for society rather than by professional stimulation coming from the university. This underlines the importance of expanding the institutional mechanisms, such as offering valorisation training and support. In the REVALORISE+ project, we have done exactly that, and during the summer and autumn of 2023, we will be launching helpful online tools and training materials.

REVALORISE+ project offering free valorisation training videos for research support professionals 

We have created a series of free training videos aimed at research support staff such as Knowledge and Technology transfer professionals. As well as providing an introduction to valorisation as a concept, the videos contain practical tools and models which will enable research support professionals to propel researchers forward on their valorisation journeys.

We have learned from the initial investigation that focus areas differ widely between universities and that Knowledge and Technology transfer professionals are busy and already have established work practices. Therefore, the video material is created in a way that enables professionals to pick and choose the elements that make sense in their institutions. In the material, you will find information such as:

• An introduction to the term ‘valorisation’
• What are valorisation activities and stakeholders?
• What motivates and drives researchers to valorise their research? And what barriers exist?
• Which skills and what knowledge is needed for researchers to valorise their research?
• Which skills and what knowledge is needed for research support staff to help researchers valorise their research?
• How can offers of valorisation training aimed at researchers be communicated most effectively (=how do we avoid scaring them off)?
• How can you assist researchers in building communities? And why are communities important in valorisation research?
• How to support resources mobilisation through external partnerships
• How can you support university-business cooperation and external engagement sustainably?

You can find the videos, tools and templates here.