The European Union has created a new organization to promote the transfer of technology between universities and government research laboratories and industry throughout Europe. ProTon Europe, a network of 42 technology transfer offices at universities and public research organizations will develop a system to share best practices. "Technology transfer is still a relatively new profession and is rapidly developing, so the sharing of experience is vital," says Ernst Max Nielson, manager of ProTon Europe.

Members of the new group come from every EU country and membership is expected to double over the next year. ProTon Europe has created working groups to study the best structure for technology transfer offices and management; patenting and intellectual property rights; licensing; improving interaction with industry; spinoffs and campus companies; policy development; and professional development.

"Alongside its aim of creating a comprehensive knowledge base, the ProTon Europe network also seeks to foster a European identity for the technology transfer profession and provide an input to European and national policymaking on the issue," says Nielson. The group will hold its first conference in November in an effort "to begin to fulfill its ultimate aim of stimulating growth, competitiveness and employment in Europe," says Nielson. For more information, go to: here.