Spinoff Europa Declaration
Preamble
We, the undersigned organisations, institutions, and individuals, affirm our belief in the transformative power of science, technology, and entrepreneurship to shape a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future for Europe.
In a time of global complexity and rapid change, Europe possesses world-class research capabilities, creative talent, and a tradition of excellence in science and engineering. Yet, to fully unlock this potential, we must bridge the gap between knowledge and action—between the lab and the market. Research-based spinoffs are critical vehicles for turning scientific discovery into real-world impact, competitive advantage, and societal benefit.
We declare our support for Spinoff Europe—a movement to catalyse a pan-European ecosystem of research commercialisation, spinoff growth, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Vision
We envision a future where:
- Every researcher and innovator in Europe has the opportunity and support to commercialise their discoveries
- Spinoffs are recognised as engines of high-quality jobs, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development
- Europe becomes a global leader in converting academic and public research into thriving companies with global reach and local impact
- Innovation ecosystems are collaborative, inclusive, and interconnected, transcending institutional, disciplinary, and national boundaries
Our Commitment
By signing this Declaration, we commit to actively support the growth of a vibrant, collaborative, and inclusive European spinoff ecosystem. We will work together across sectors, borders, and disciplines to unlock the full potential of research-based innovation.
As a signatory, our organisation commits to collective action across six strategic pillars:
1. Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
We will cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and support innovation at every level of our institution.
This means:
- Promoting entrepreneurial thinking among researchers, innovators, and students
- Encouraging risk-taking, experimentation, and curiosity-driven exploration.
- Celebrating diverse role models and success stories to inspire the next generations
2. Supporting Spinoff Creation and Growth
We will actively support the journey from idea to impact. This means:
- Providing or facilitating access to tools, mentoring, incubation, and funding from pre-seed to scale-up.
- Building bridges between science, industry, and investors to create fertile ground for venture growth.
- Helping teams expand internationally and attract top talent.
3. Enabling Knowledge and Technology Transfer
We commit to translating research into real-world solutions through efficient and ethical commercialisation. This means:
- Championing responsible IP management, licensing, and equity-sharing models.
- Creating agile, transparent technology transfer practices.
- Promoting open dialogue and best practice exchange across institutions.
4. Collaborating Across Borders and Sectors
We believe that transformative innovation happens through collaboration. This means:
- Engaging in joint initiatives with public and private sector partners.
- Strengthening regional and European innovation ecosystems through shared infrastructure and networks.
- Encouraging open innovation, co-creation, and cross-disciplinary partnerships.
5. Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
We are committed to building an equitable and future-fit ecosystem. This means:
- Supporting spinoff founders of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Embedding social and environmental sustainability into innovation practices.
- Creating safe, inclusive environments that nurture creativity and resilience.
6. Advocating for Policy and Ecosystem Improvements
We will use our voice and experience to shape enabling conditions for innovation. This means:
- Contributing insights to guide policy and funding reforms.
- Promoting harmonised frameworks that reduce friction and increase impact.
- Supporting long-term investment in Europe’s innovation infrastructure.
We believe that together, we can build a stronger, more connected Europe driven by science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
By signing this Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to transforming knowledge into action, supporting entrepreneurial talent, and shaping a thriving future powered by science, technology, and collaboration.
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