Stuart Wilkinson RTTP, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Exchange UK, is speaking today, Thursday 9 July 2026, at the IGNICIA Forum: The United Kingdom Knowledge Transfer Model in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia.
The forum focuses on UK policies, organisational models and best practices in knowledge transfer and knowledge exchange. The programme brings together senior representatives from the UK and Galician innovation ecosystems, including speakers from UKRI, NCUB, GOTT, Oxentia and TenU in addition to KEUK.
From Birmingham to Santiago de Compostela
The invitation followed a visit by a Galician delegation to KEUK’s 2025 Annual Conference in Birmingham where they heard more about the UK’s approach to knowledge exchange and professional development. Their interest in sharing UK experience with the Galician knowledge transfer community helped shape this year’s IGNICIA Forum, which places the United Kingdom in focus as the guest ecosystem.
Fostering professional development and community
For KEUK, Stuart is delivering a session titled ‘Fostering Professional Development and Building Community in Knowledge Exchange.’ His talk explores the skills required by effective knowledge transfer and exchange professionals, how professional excellence can be supported at both individual and institutional levels, and how best practice can be developed, shared and sustained across a collaborative community.
The session reflects KEUK’s mission to advance excellence in knowledge exchange by empowering people and organisations across academia, industry, government and the third sector to develop skills, connect, collaborate and create impact. It considers how structured frameworks, peer learning and community-building can strengthen recognition, capability and impact across the knowledge exchange profession.
A meaningful return to Galicia
Stuart’s participation also marks a meaningful return to Galicia. Earlier in his career, while working with Oxentia, he supported activity in the Galician innovation ecosystem through technology transfer training and proof-of-concept work linked to the Fundación Pedro Barrié de la Maza Technology Fund. More than a decade later, his return highlights the long-term value of investing in people, capability and collaboration.
Stuart said:
“Knowledge exchange depends on people. Professional development, peer learning and strong communities are essential if we want to translate research and innovation into lasting economic and societal impact. I am delighted to return to Galicia and to contribute to a forum focused on sharing experience between the UK and Galician ecosystems.”
Strengthening international knowledge exchange
The forum provides an opportunity to reflect on how national and regional innovation systems can support knowledge transfer professionals throughout their careers, from early-stage development to leadership. For KEUK, the invitation highlights the growing international importance of professionalisation, community and shared standards in knowledge exchange.