Global Connections in Action

Technology transfer and knowledge exchange don’t stop at national borders, and neither does the AUTM Community. AUTM continues to invest in meaningful international engagement that brings professionals together, strengthens shared learning, and builds lasting partnerships around the world.

AUTM Members represent a vibrant and growing global network. Recent outreach efforts reflect our commitment to supporting that community by fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and expanding access to professional development opportunities worldwide.

Building Capacity and Community in Hong Kong
AUTM returned to Hong Kong December 2-3 to deliver its Intellectual Property and Relationship Management Course at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The program welcomed more than 160 participants, focusing on IP management and protection strategies, as well as building productive relationships with researchers, startups, and corporate partners.

Led by Marie Kerbeshian, PhD, AUTM Board Member and Assitant Vice President and 
Executive Director at the University of Iowa Research Foundation and Brooks Tueting, partner at Patterson + Sheridan LLP), with a guest presentation from Huw Jones, Chief Patent Examiner (Advisory), Intellectual Property Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the course received strong participant feedback. AUTM has partnered with Hong Kong universities on capacity-building programs since 2018, and many attendees are now planning to continue their learning and networking at the 2026 AUTM Annual Meeting in Seattle.

Convening Global Leaders in Thailand

In November, AUTM convened technology transfer leaders from around the world in Thailand for two complementary international events focused on collaboration, capacity building, and resilience across innovation ecosystems.

AUTM hosted its 6th Annual International Leadership Summit November 16-17, bringing together 45 technology transfer professionals from 27 countries. Held in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Summit created space for candid dialogue around shared challenges and practical solutions. The program featured a keynote from Marco Aleman, Assistant Director General, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector at WIPO, and a welcome address from Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Participants explored topics such as developing a knowledge transfer (KT)/TT playbook, institutional capacity frameworks, national resilience, and navigating disruption and recovery.

Building on this momentum, AUTM leaders joined colleagues from 26 countries in Bangkok for the WIPO–AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Annual Summit and follow-on Innovation Policy Week, held November 17–21, 2025. AUTM CEO Steve Susalka, Board President Joy Goswami, Board Member Irene Abrams, and former President Katharine Ku were among the featured participants.

Sessions throughout the week examined the global state of innovation, practical KT/TT playbooks for emerging institutions, WIPO’s new Institutional Capacity Framework, and strategies to help K/TTOs remain resilient during periods of rapid change. AUTM leaders also participated as speakers during Thailand’s Innovation Policy Week, extending the conversation to broader policy and innovation audiences.

Looking Ahead
These initiatives reflect AUTM’s broader goal of strengthening partnerships with technology transfer and knowledge exchange organizations worldwide, an important element of our strategic priority to support global engagement. By collaborating with trusted partners and designing programs that meet regional needs, we continue to grow a more connected and inclusive global ecosystem.