Knowledge transfer from research to industry (SMEs) – An example from the food sector

With knowledge transfer as a highly relevant topic on the European research agenda, this article deals with the background, the obstacles, and the practical experiences of scientific knowledge transfer, especially to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the European food producing sector. Whilst scientists often are suspected to be in their ‘ivory tower’, enterprises often lack access to sources of innovation which they so urgently need in order to stay competitive. The central obstacles that hamper the transfer of new scientific insights to SMEs are outlined, with trust and language being the most important ones. Suggestions to overcome these barriers are given with reference to the practical experiences gained in the EU FP6 project ‘PathogenCombat’. Initiatives of the European Union are outlined.