Knowledge transfer is the gateway for the passing of knowledge between a donating and a receiving entity. It describes the distribution of knowledge through human beings. Knowledge transfer meets various obstacles. The removal of these barriers and the improvement of transfer are seen as a main driver of economic growth. Therefore, the ever increasing importance of knowledge makes a close relationship between science, technology and economy most important. In the food sector most of the large enterprises have their own scientific department. In contrast, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) often cannot afford the cost of research and depend on external knowledge to improve their production processes. It is estimated that 70% of all SMEs in the food sector do not carry out any kind of research activity. In addition, the food sector has to deal with high demand for safe products and superior quality, as well as a high competition. To cope with these challenges, new technologies have to be introduced that help small companies to innovate and produce in a sustainable and cost-efficient way. The distribution of knowledge created by public bodies is therefore critical to maintain or extend SMEs’ position in the market. In this context, knowledge transfer has become an important subject of scientific research, as well as in economic and public policy. Research projects funded by the European Union play an important role in the support of SMEs in the food sector. In many of their latest calls for research proposals in the KBBE (Knowledge Based Bio Economy) programme, fixed quotas of the budgets are mandatory assigned to SME support (up to 35%).
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