Knowledge exchange@UHH: Strategic principle

The University of Hamburg (UHH) understands the Third Mission – Knowledge Exchange (KE) as a central component of its institutional mission alongside research and teaching. As a flagship university, the UHH pursues the strategic principle “Excellence Meets Relevance”, combining academic excellence with societal responsibility. Knowledge Exchange therefore aims not only to disseminate knowledge but also to co-create public value in collaboration with partners from society, business, politics and culture.

Knowledge Exchange activities at the UHH are guided by the Triple-E Model, which positions the university’s Third Mission within the complementary dimensions of Expertise, Engagement and Entrepreneurship. This model reflects the diversity of disciplinary cultures at a comprehensive university and provides a coherent framework for the wide range of knowledge exchange activities across faculties and central units.

The faculties and central units are the primary actors of Knowledge Exchange. They develop their activities autonomously based on their research and teaching priorities while aligning them with the university’s mission and strategic objectives. Their activities are supported by the UHH Knowledge Exchange Agency, which provides infrastructure, advisory services and strategic coordination across the university.

To strengthen Knowledge Exchange institutionally, the UHH has established a dedicated support structure centred on the Knowledge Exchange Agency, which operates in three core areas:: 

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship, supporting start-ups, intellectual property management and collaboration with external partners;
• Career & Qualification, fostering employability and knowledge exchange competences among students and graduates;
• Co-Creation & Engagement, strengthening partnerships with civil society, public institutions and cultural organisations and promoting transdisciplinary collaboration.