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Published:
Virtual Worlds 2026, 5(1), 10

We invite transfer managers, researchers, and project coordinators to utilize this questionnaire for their own evaluation needs:

Download the Handbook

A practical, step-by-step guide for selecting the appropriate modules and implementing the survey.

Read the Scientific Paper

The corresponding Scientific Paper, including our Questionnaire, for a detailed look at the methodological framework and the development process.

Authors: Sina Hinzmann, Dr. Anne-Kathrin Bestgen, Julia Schorlemmer, Prof. Dr. Constanze Beierlein, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Kölbe und Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons

Introduction

How well do our workshops, networking events, or science slams resonate with our target audiences? And what success do they achieve in fostering a meaningful exchange of knowledge from the participants' perspective?

To provide a clear answer based on evidence, we developed a modular evaluation questionnaire designed for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), research organizations, and companies. This instrument allows for the systematic capture of the resonance of Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) activities and assesses their perceived success.

Scientific Development

The questionnaire was developed through expert workshops within the Digitalise SWF project, combining practical experience with established literature on transfer and impact measurement. To ensure quality and clarity, the instrument underwent a review process by additional academic experts to enhance its comprehensibility, clarity, and applicability across diverse transfer contexts.

A Systematic Approach to Evaluating Transfer Quality

Since transfer events vary greatly in their goals, our questionnaire offers a differentiated approach to gathering participant feedback.

Holistic Assessment: The instrument captures both the immediate experience of the event and the subjective gain in knowledge perceived by the participants.
Capturing Motivational Drivers: In addition to this feedback, the questionnaire tracks key indicators of success, such as the participants' intention to engage in future collaborations or apply the discussed topics.
Target-Group Specificity: The framework provides tailored modules for Companies, Citizens, and Students. This ensures that the questions are precisely aligned with the specific expectations and needs of each group.
Strategic Benchmarking: Standardized items on a 7-point scale allow institutions to compare the resonance of different formats—such as a collaborative workshop versus an interactive forum—to identify which activities best support their transfer goals.

Why This Matters

In a competitive academic environment, data regarding the acceptance and perceived success of transfer activities are essential for quality management and the strategic development of the "Third Mission". Our instrument provides the empirical foundation to bridge the gap between a single event and its intended resonance within the regional innovation ecosystem.