VIB researchers don't just contribute to the progress of scientific knowledge. Our research leads to new and innovative insights into life processes, benefiting society as a whole. Our technology transfer team focuses on translating research results into diverse new products (candidate drugs, therapies, and agricultural products) that can be used to help patients, farmers, and consumers. VIB combines excellence in research with distinction in technology transfer.

A recent study conducted by BiGGAR Economics evaluates VIB’s economic and societal impact between 2019 and 2023 and estimates that for every €1 of core funding from the Flemish Government, VIB returned €12 in economic impact. The study integrates data from VIB, partners, published reports and official statistics to assess employment (FTE), GVA, and social contributions using the OECD Better Life Index. The report further explores VIB’s alignment with Flemish Government strategies, including Vision 2030, Vision 2050, and the Transition Priorities.

Numerous of these VIB discoveries can be used for the development of novel social and industrial applications, including diagnostic tests, therapeutic agents, and agricultural innovations. VIB does not itself develop and commercialize consumer-ready applications but signs partnerships with companies and spins out companies that can.  This is how the results of basic VIB research eventually end up in the hands of patients, farmers, and consumers.

VIB strongly believes that technology transfer in academia flourishes best in a research environment that is inspired by the needs of patients, farmers, and consumers, but that is also focused on pushing the frontiers of science. The evidence is accumulating of a correlation between top-level research and successful technology transfer.