Knowledge Transfer: the Third Mission of the University

CUHK has been a pioneer in the promotion of knowledge transfer, which refers to the transfer and application of knowledge to the community. While technology transfer is included, scholarly output from the arts, humanities and social sciences make equally important contributions, specifically to the transmission of humanistic cultural values and improvement in quality of life, and as such should also be shared with the public.

Since the inception of CUHK, staff members of the University have engaged in knowledge transfer activities by undertaking commissioned research, licensing patent rights to corporations for product development, or providing professional advice. They are well aware that their expertise and research findings are not limited to publishing papers. Besides teaching and research, academics share the knowledge they create with the public, and make that the third mission of the University.

The University’s past contributions in spreading the fruits of its intellectual endeavours include the launching of kunqu and Cantonese opera education and promotion projects; the prevention, retreatment and rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and the consultancy service to the industry offered by the Centre for Innovation and Technology.

CUHK’s effort in promoting knowledge transfer is recognized by the University Grants Committee which applauded it for its encouraging innovations and interdisciplinary knowledge transfer projects and for making use of its community projects for the benefits of the community. In addition, the University’s favourable performance in commercialization and exploitation of intellectual property rights were praised.

Website: www5.cuhk.edu.hk/kto/