Netval, the Italian Network for the Valorization of Research, is a national association that brings together universities, public research organizations (PRO’s), Research Hospitals (IRCCS) and other institutions across Italy. Its core mission is to promote the effective transfer of academic and public research results to industry and society, thereby fostering innovation and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development. Netval supports its members through training programs, collaborative initiatives, policy advocacy and knowledge exchange in the fields of intellectual property (IP), licensing, startup and spin-off creation, and research-industry partnerships. The network plays a key role in strengthening professional skills and operational practices among technology transfer professionals, enhancing the overall capacity of the Italian research system to generate impact. Netval also acts as a platform for dialogue with public institutions, international partners, and innovation stakeholders, aiming to align national strategies with European frameworks for research exploitation. With over a hundred member institutions, Netval has established itself as a strategic actor in Italy’s innovation ecosystem, promoting a culture of research valorization and bridging the gap between science and the market. Through its activities, the network contributes to building a more competitive and knowledge-based economy, ensuring that public investments in research translate into tangible benefits for society. Knowledge Share –Netval's flagship project and tool– is an innovation matchmaking platform designed to foster technology transfer and knowledge exchange activities. Developed in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), specifically, the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM), the platform facilitates interaction between university Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), academic researchers, and industry partners. Knowledge Share provides tools and functionalities that allow users to easily access and explore information on IPRs (most of them patents), innovative technologies, and spin-offs representing the excellence of Italian public research. By translating complex scientific results into clear, industry-oriented summaries, Knowledge Share bridges the gap between academia and the market, enabling faster uptake of innovation and supporting the valorization of public research outcomes.

Giuseppe Conti is President of Netval, the Italian Network for the Valorization of Research, and Director General of IUSS Pavia (Scuola Universitaria Superiore). A recognized expert in innovation policy and research management, he has been recognised as Registered Technology Transfer Professional - RTTP, he has also significantly contributed to the development of technology transfer practices in Italy. With a background in management engineering, Giuseppe has built a career at the intersection of academia, public policy, and innovation ecosystems. At the helm of Netval, he has led efforts to strengthen collaboration among universities, research institutions and industry, promoting the strategic exploitation of public research results. As Director General of IUSS Pavia, he oversees one of Italy’s premier graduate and advanced education institutions, dedicated to fostering excellence in interdisciplinary research and education. Giuseppe is also an active participant in national and European discussions on research valorization, contributing to the development of policies that enhance the impact of scientific knowledge on society and the economy. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to building a more effective and integrated system for innovation, where research serves as a driver for sustainable development and competitiveness.