Introduction from the Chair

"Knowledge Transfer in the UK, in all its forms, has become one of the world's most sophisticated and diverse systems for interactions between the knowledge base and users. This change can feel as though it has taken forever but in reality we have moved very fast in the last 10 years and many countries now look to the UK to benchmark professional standards and economic success in knowledge transfer. AURIL has been at the forefront of that change, developing to meet new challenges and to address the wider knowledge transfer agenda while evolving and deepening our origins in technology transfer and industrial liaison. AURIL was formed in 1995 from the merger of two separate organisations, one representing pre'92 universities and the other post'92 universities. The association was further enhanced in 2003 with the addition of some of the NHS IP Hubs. AURIL is the representative body in the UK for all knowledge transfer practitioners. AURIL's role on behalf of its members is threefold. Through:

• The elected Council and the work of the Executive Director, Dr Philip Graham, we represent your views and the views of the sector as a whole to government, industry, funders and stakeholders at all levels. With those partners we address the issues that are hindering the success of your role, identifying blockages and barriers and helping to find solutions through changes in practice and policy that make knowledge transfer easier and more accessible to companies and to public sector institutions.
• Our mailbase where we provide a forum to exchange views, problems, and solutions - see our FAQ page!
• Continual Professional Development programmes were we deliver the very best practice the sector has to offer to you the member. Almost every month there is at least one event on a topic of interest to groups of members, be it those engaged in cultural and creative knowledge transfer, or those in research support or those in IP management. 2003/4 in particular is turning out to be a momentous year. We've seen
  
• AURIL membership grow to 1,500
• Colleagues from the PSREs and the NHS Hubs become active members in recognition of the shared goals and practices in knowledge transfer, adding further dimensions of collaboration and synergy to the benefits of membership
• AURIL members playing significant roles in the development of best practice across 12 countries in Europe through the ProTon network which was launched through the European Gate-to Growth Programme in 2003.
  
• The launch of the DTI-funded initiative in CPD, where the AURIL element will enhance the work of our professional theme groups by providing a framework for career development, and will complement the work undertaken by colleagues from Praxis and Unico under the same DTI initiative.
  

The CPD Programme will mean:

For individuals

• Improved competence and performance in the job
• Ability to evidence personal development and competence
• Faster career progression
• Greater recognition of professional position internally and externally For knowledge transfer offices (KTO) and their managers
• Improved KTO performance and outcomes
• Greater recognition of the professional roles performed by KTOs
• Increased attractiveness to job applicants through support for personal and career development

For organisations

• Improved KT performance and outcomes, including reputation with clients and stakeholders
• Demonstration to funders (e.g. HEFCE) that appropriate HR and KT strategies and plans are in operation (as well as risk management!)
• Supports external accreditations e.g. Investors in People

For UK plc + Ireland plc

• Improved national performance and outcomes in KT and innovation
• Increased supply of competent and experienced KTPs to meet the demand

"The endorsement by our members of the concept of an Institute of Knowledge Transfer which will provide the professional framework for everyone in Knowledge transfer in the UK whether public or private sector. Working with colleagues in other organisations AURIL intends the Institute to represent the professional interests of practitioners, whatever sector they work in at any given time. It will break down the sectoral barriers to career development by facilitating recognition of the professional skills and experience of the individual by providing an overarching framework that is flexible enough to encompass but not stifle the differing interests and professional needs of the various groupings within knowledge transfer. As happens now AURIL will continue to represent the HE sector and to address issues pertinent to it while other groups may represent RDA staff, or address issues specific to the NHS or to staff engaged in one particular aspect of knowledge transfer, but all can be recognised professionals within the spectrum of knowledge transfer.

So, welcome to AURIL. If this is your first visit to our website we hope you find plenty to interest you; tell us if there's something you'd like to see on the website or know more about generally. If you are a member, or are have participated in one of our events, let us hear your views; without those the AURIL Board can't do its job as well as it wishes."

Caroline Quest AURIL Chair