Teagasc hosted the Irish Knowledge Transfer Association (IKTA) Annual Conference, From Knowledge to Impact, at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
The conference brings together knowledge transfer professionals, policymakers, researchers, and innovation leaders from across Ireland and Northern Ireland to explore how research organisations can strengthen the delivery of economic, societal and commercial impact from publicly funded research.
Hosted by Teagasc in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, the conference, explored emerging approaches to research impact, innovation ecosystems, commercialisation, and industry engagement, alongside the growing role of digital tools and AI in supporting knowledge transfer activities. Discussions focused on practical approaches to delivering and measuring impact, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and supporting collaboration between research organisations and industry.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, highlighted the importance of IKTA at the event: “Knowledge transfer is essential to ensuring Ireland’s world-class research delivers real economic and societal impact. IKTA plays a key role in connecting research with enterprise by supporting collaboration, sharing best practice, and building the skills that turn ideas into innovation.
Through KT Boost, co-funded by the ERDF and Enterprise Ireland, we continue to strengthen this community. The annual conference offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, explore new approaches, and reinforce Ireland’s ambition to lead globally in research commercialisation.”
Joe Healy, Divisional Manager, Research & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland commented: “For Enterprise Ireland’s clients, strong engagement with the research and innovation ecosystem is a key driver of competitiveness, productivity, and international growth. Knowledge Transfer enables companies to access cutting-edge expertise, technologies, and talent from Ireland’s higher education and research base. Through its leadership in promoting best practice and collaboration, IKTA plays a vital role in strengthening these connections. By bridging research excellence with industry needs, IKTA helps translate innovation into tangible commercial and economic impact—enabling Enterprise Ireland-supported companies to accelerate innovation, develop new products and services, and compete successfully in global markets.”
Dr Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation at Teagasc, said: “Hosting the IKTA Annual Conference at Moorepark reflects Teagasc’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and research with impact. The event provides a valuable platform to connect the knowledge transfer community across the island of Ireland with national agencies, researchers, and innovation leaders to explore how research can deliver tangible benefits for the economy and society”.
The event highlighted the growing importance of knowledge transfer in supporting Ireland’s research, innovation, and enterprise ambitions. Conference sessions included keynote presentations on the Enterprise Ireland and Research Ireland strategies for impact, international perspectives on innovation ecosystems and workshops focused on maximising impact from economics, social sciences, and humanities research.