Technology transfer and knowledge exchange are not bound by national borders; they thrive in a globally connected world. As the world has become increasingly interconnected, so has the landscape of technology transfer and knowledge exchange. While AUTM’s roots are deeply planted in the U.S.-based technology transfer system, we recognize and celebrate the vibrant, growing global community represented by our members. In the coming years, AUTM is committed to formalizing an international engagement strategy that both strengthens our global partnerships and expands the value of our offerings to international members.

To achieve this, we will focus on building partnerships with other technology transfer and knowledge exchange organizations around the world and crafting programs that meet the specific needs of our international members. A key part of this strategy will be to clearly communicate the value of AUTM membership to these global audiences, ensuring that our services and professional development opportunities are adapted to their unique challenges and opportunities. Expanding our reach beyond traditional borders will not only diversify our membership but also enrich the global exchange of ideas and innovations.This international focus is integral to achieving our mission to grow and advance technology transfer and knowledge exchange worldwide. If we are to truly be an inclusive and collaborative community advancing innovation for a better world, we must focus on the "world"—not just U.S.-centric areas. True inclusion means considering and intentionally designing offerings that speak to the needs of our international members. By doing so, we will continue to create a stronger, more diverse, and more globally connected technology transfer and knowledge exchange ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Strategies:

Design and implement a comprehensive international engagement strategy across all aspects of AUTM.

Strengthen partnerships with other worldwide technology transfer and knowledge exchange organizations, as relevant.

Identify and communicate the value proposition of AUTM membership for international members.

Adapt relevant materials and professional development offerings to meet the needs of global audiences.

Build and introduce in-person and multi-modal engagement opportunities tailored for international members.

AUTM is committed to being the go-to organization for both technology transfer and knowledge exchange professionals and industry stakeholders, recognizing the critical role that collaboration between these groups plays in driving innovation and economic growth. These industry stakeholders engage in academic innovation as potential licensees, collaborators, and/or funders for sponsored research, and as such, are an integral part of the technology transfer and knowledge exchange ecosystem.

As the technology transfer and knowledge exchange landscape evolves, it is increasingly important for AUTM to position itself as not only a resource for its members but also a valuable partner to these industry representatives. The success of our Members and the impact of their work are often closely tied to their ability to connect with industry stakeholders, making these relationships essential to advancing technology transfer and knowledge exchange initiatives.

To achieve this, AUTM is dedicated to developing and refining its offerings to meet the specific needs of industry. Whether through in-person meetings, virtual programs, or networking events designed to bring together technology transfer and knowledge exchange professionals and industry leaders, AUTM strives to create valuable opportunities for engagement and collaboration. Our goal is to ensure that industry representatives see AUTM as an essential partner—one that understands their needs, provides targeted resources, and fosters the kind of meaningful connections that lead to successful partnerships and innovations.

Strategies:

Develop and communicate the value of AUTM for industry stakeholders and identify and offer specific services or offerings identified by industry as a value-add or attractor.

Expand opportunities for industry participation at in-person and virtual meetings.

Build explicit industry/technology transfer and knowledge exchange networking events into in-person meetings.

The technology transfer and knowledge exchange landscape is constantly evolving, with new demands being placed on technology transfer offices (TTOs) and professionals. Just as our Members are expected to adapt to these shifting needs, so too must AUTM as the preeminent organization supporting technology transfer and knowledge exchange. To remain a leader in this dynamic field, we are committed to continually refining and enhancing its programs and services to align with the evolving priorities of its members and their institutions. As the profession grows more complex, it is critical that AUTM remains agile, responsive, and forward-thinking in the development of its offerings, equipping its members for success.

Recognizing that we, like all organizations, operate with resource constraints, we must focus on maximizing the impact of our work. This requires a strategic and thoughtful approach to investing in programs that provide the greatest value to our members. We will implement an ongoing process for auditing all programs and services to assess their cost, human capital investment, usage, and revenue generation, ensuring that resources are directed toward initiatives that deliver meaningful impact. Our goal is to continually streamline and improve our services to ensure they meet the ever-changing needs of our Members.

In addition, we are committed to equipping Members with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environment, including federal and non-federal contract requirements. With special attention to Bayh-Dole regulatory impacts, we aim to ensure our Members are well-prepared to meet these challenges. Beyond regulatory knowledge, we also recognize the importance of offering more intimate, community-focused experiences that foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among our members.

Strategies:

Implement an ongoing process for auditing all existing programs and services with consideration of cost, human capital investment, revenue, use and medium.

Equip members with the knowledge and skills to navigate federal and non-federal contract requirements, with consideration for Bayh-Dole regulatory impacts.

Develop programs that provide smaller, curated experiences that facilitate knowledge sharing among members.

Integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI) to improve the accessibility of existing training and programmatic assets.

Expand programming tailored to meet the needs of underrepresented members and groups.

Just as the world of technology transfer and knowledge exchange is rapidly evolving, so are the career paths to and within the profession. Entry points into the field are becoming more varied, and the once-linear career trajectories of technology transfer and knowledge exchange professionals are now more dynamic and multifaceted. As demands and expectations placed on technology transfer and knowledge exchange organizations continue to grow, it is essential for AUTM to support Members by recruiting new professionals into the field and offering tailored career development opportunities that equip them with the skills they need to succeed at every stage of their careers.

Beyond offering comprehensive programs, it is especially important for AUTM to develop curated offerings that address the evolving needs of its Members as they progress through their careers. Early-career professionals require different resources and guidance than those who are mid-career or exploring leadership opportunities. To meet this demand, we are focused on creating professional development pathways that are intentionally designed to support growth across the entire career lifecycle. This includes specific attention to building programs that provide broad knowledge in key areas like compliance and operations for early career professionals, providing them with a broad understanding of the profession, as well as exploring the viability of introducing formalized credentialing to help professionals distinguish themselves in the technology transfer and knowledge exchange field.

In addition to structured programming, we are committed to fostering mentorship and leadership development opportunities that can provide Members with personalized guidance and support as they advance in their careers. Through formal mentorship initiatives and leadership programs, we seek to strengthen the professional growth of its Members, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex field.

By supporting career development across the entire professional lifecycle, we reinforce AUTM’s role as a leading advocate for the growth and success of technology transfer and knowledge exchange professionals. Through strategic recruitment, tailored programming, and a commitment to mentorship, AUTM is building the foundation for the next generation of leaders in technology transfer and knowledge exchange.

Strategies:

Engage and support the transition of students into careers related to technology transfer and knowledge exchange.

Recruit and support the attraction of new professionals into the technology transfer and knowledge exchange profession.

Develop a framework to provide tailored pathways with intentional professional development across the technology transfer and knowledge exchange career lifecycle, with specific attention toward mid-career offerings and career pathways into technology transfer and knowledge exchange and business development professions.

Prioritize programming that builds broad knowledge of all components of technology transfer offices including compliance and operations.

Evaluate the viability of administering a technology transfer and knowledge exchange credential.

Administer and grow formal mentorship and leadership development programs.

AUTM’s approach to membership must continue to evolve to keep pace with the changes in the field of technology transfer and knowledge exchange. The makeup of our organization is expanding, and it is imperative that our membership models reflect this growing diversity. To ensure that our work remains accessible and inclusive, we are committed to rethinking and evolving AUTM’s membership structures. Recognizing that technology transfer and knowledge exchange organizations are inherently unique, we understand that a one-size-fits-all model cannot accommodate the full range of professionals who are part of this dynamic field. As a result, we are focused on building membership models that meet individuals and organizations where they are, offering flexible options that provide inroads for participation, even for those who may fall outside of our traditional membership framework.

In addition to fostering inclusivity, fiscal viability is essential to ensure that AUTM continues to serve its members effectively. By exploring alternative membership models, such as group or organizational memberships, and assessing the financial sustainability of these approaches, we aim to secure AUTM’s future while expanding its reach. This includes identifying and marketing select on-demand or a la carte offerings to non-members, creating additional revenue streams while broadening access to AUTM’s resources and expertise.

By expanding and diversifying our membership models, we are not only enhancing AUTM’s ability to attract new members—particularly from smaller technology transfer offices—but also ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of the organization. These efforts will allow AUTM to continue providing high-quality programs and services that support the ever-growing and evolving needs of the technology transfer and knowledge exchange community.

Strategies:

Reassess current membership models and structures for consideration of levels, titles, effectiveness and inclusivity.

Explore the financial viability of alternative membership models, such as group or organization-based membership models.

Develop transition plan and implement new membership models, as appropriate.

Expand members across each segment of membership.

Identify and market select on-demand or a la carte offerings to non-members.

Attract and grow members from small technology transfer offices.

The technology transfer and knowledge exchange profession has always been closely tied to the regulatory and policy environments in which we operate. As policies become increasingly complex, AUTM’s role as a leading advocate for the profession is more important than ever. To ensure that technology transfer offices continue to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth, AUTM must not only remain at the table but be a visible and vocal participant in shaping the policies that directly impact the profession. It is critical that we take proactive steps to advocate for policies that safeguard and advance the work of our members, protecting the core functions of technology transfer and knowledge exchange and enabling professionals to navigate the evolving policy landscape effectively.

In today’s world, it is no longer enough to quietly do impactful work. We must actively share the story of the transformative impact technology transfer and knowledge exchange has on universities, communities, industries, and society at large. AUTM must lead the charge in communicating these successes to key stakeholders, from university leaders to the elected officials who draft the policies that shape how we operate. By telling our story and highlighting the essential role of technology transfer and knowledge exchange in fostering innovation, we can help decision makers understand the importance of supporting this work through effective and enabling legislation.

Beyond traditional policy development, we recognize the importance of a broader advocacy strategy. This includes educating both policymakers and university thought leaders about the critical contributions of technology transfer and knowledge exchange. By investing in a more formalized and permanent advocacy infrastructure, AUTM can more consistently engage in policy development and legislative efforts, ensuring that the profession remains well-positioned in the face of shifting regulatory demands. Part of this strategy will involve building coalitions with other pro-technology-transfer and innovation-focused organizations, allowing AUTM to lead a broader network of advocates who can push for policies that support the long-term success of technology transfer offices worldwide.

In addition to shaping formal policy, we will also develop tailored materials and tools that build awareness of technology transfer and knowledge exchange's role and importance among university leaders. Educating university leadership on the critical contributions of TTOs will help garner internal support for technology transfer and knowledge exchange initiatives and foster a better understanding of the profession’s value within the higher education ecosystem. Furthermore, AUTM will continue to serve as a trusted partner to federal officials, helping to craft and advocate for policies that support the profession and enable continued innovation.

Ultimately, AUTM’s advocacy efforts are aimed at ensuring the profession’s growth and sustainability in a complex and changing policy environment. By fostering partnerships, creating educational tools, and developing a robust advocacy infrastructure, we will not only protect the profession but also strengthen its capacity to thrive. These actions will position AUTM and our members as key contributors to the advancement of innovation, ensuring that technology transfer and knowledge exchange continues to have a profound impact on universities, communities, and society at large.

Strategies:

Invest in a more permanent and formalized advocacy infrastructure for policy development and implementation.

Lead the development of a formalized coalition of pro-technology transfer and innovation-focused organizations, developing a network for advocacy efforts.

Advocate for greater uniformity in federal contract compliance and contract requirements across federal funding agencies.

Develop tailored materials and tools to build awareness of and support for technology transfer and knowledge exchange among university leaders.

Serve as a trusted and active partner to draft policy with federal elected officials and offices.

Be at the forefront of educating and providing resources for members and elected officials about the impact of proposed technology transfer and knowledge exchange related legislation.