Building a Stronger Technology Transfer Ecosystem in the Black Sea Region

The Transnational Technology Transfer Network for the Black Sea Basin (T3N-BSB) project, funded by the Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, brings together leading institutions to strengthen innovation and technology transfer across the region.

Led by the Karadeniz Technical University Technology Transfer Centre (KTU TTC) and supported by key partners — CERTH (Greece), BATTI (Bulgaria), and UDJG (Romania) — the project focuses on building a sustainable transnational network that empowers research, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technologies.

As part of our Technology Transfer Ecosystem Capacity Building Activities, we’ve developed a comprehensive set of training modules aimed at equipping:

  • Technology Transfer Office (TTO) staff

  • Researchers

  • Industry representatives

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Innovation clusters

Within the scope of the ‘Technology Transfer Ecosystem Capacity Building Activities’, a set of Technology Transfer Ecosystem Capacity Building Training Modules has been developed to provide target groups (TTO staff, researchers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, clusters, etc.) with the basic competencies necessary for the effective implementation of technology transfer (TT) processes.

 Together, we’re shaping a more connected, innovative, and future-ready Black Sea Basin.
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Capacity Building Through Educational Modules

The educational modules, developed through close collaboration within the project consortium, were designed to strengthen the technology transfer (TT) ecosystem by:

  • Equipping ecosystem actors with the fundamental skills needed to effectively carry out TT activities;

  • Enhancing the qualifications of staff within partner institutions through Train-the-Trainer programs;

  • Delivering targeted training to key groups within the TT ecosystem in each partner country.

This initiative was implemented in three complementary phases, each focused on building capacity across the ecosystem:

Phase 1 – Development of Training Modules

In this phase, a set of structured training modules was developed, tailored to the needs of various stakeholders, including TTO professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives. These modules cover the essential knowledge areas and practical tools required for successful technology transfer.

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Technology Transfer Ecosystem Capacity Building Training Modules

The Technology Transfer Ecosystem Capacity Building Training Modules were collaboratively developed by all four project partners, bringing together expertise from across the Black Sea region.

These modules are specifically designed to equip key actors in the technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem—including TTO staff, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, clusters, and business support organisations—with strategic competencies needed to navigate and lead technology transfer processes.

The training provides a comprehensive overview of TT practices and aims to strengthen knowledge and skills in key areas such as:

  • Effective management of technological collaborations

  • Sustainable technology transfer operations

  • Intellectual property rights (IPR) management and licensing

  • Commercialisation of research outputs

  • Innovation and entrepreneurship development

  • Access to international funding sources

  • Incorporation and business model development

Training Topics

The modules are tailored to the needs of the target groups and include the following key topics:

 

2. Phase – Training of Trainers

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Training of Trainers: Empowering the Next Generation of TT Professionals

To support the implementation of the newly developed training programme—comprising eight specialised modules—a ‘Training of Trainers’ (ToT) event was held in June 2025, bringing together experts from all project partner institutions.

This event aimed to:

  • Strengthen the knowledge and skills of professionals involved in technology transfer

  • Equip trainers with effective methods and tools to deliver training to the target groups

  • Facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices between partner organisations

  • Support both individual and institutional capacity building in the field of technology transfer

Through interactive sessions and collaborative learning, trainers were prepared to deliver high-quality, impactful training to stakeholders across the Black Sea region’s innovation ecosystem.

Click here to read more about the event

3. Phase – Technology Transfer Ecosystem Capacity Building Pilot trainings:

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Pilot Training Events: Expanding Impact Across the Black Sea Region

Following the successful Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, a series of online Pilot Training Events were conducted in each of the partner countries—Türkiye, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania—targeting key actors involved in technology transfer (TT) processes.

These pilot sessions aimed to:

  • Disseminate the knowledge and skills gained through the training modules

  • Provide practical, foundational competencies for professionals across the TT ecosystem

  • Engage local stakeholders in real-time, interactive learning environments

A total of 167 participants took part in the four events, which collectively covered all eight training modules developed under the project. Each session was tailored to the national context while aligning with the project’s transnational objectives.

At the end of the training sessions in July 2025, participants completed a final assessment. Those who achieved a minimum of 90% success were awarded consortium-approved certificates, recognizing their newly acquired competencies in technology transfer.

Click here to read more about the event