Last week, we welcomed colleagues from across public sector research organisations to GOTT’s annual conference, also known as GOTT Con.
The 2026 theme, Leveraging Knowledge Assets for Growth, explored how the insights, expertise and Knowledge Assets (KAs) that public sector innovators and researchers generate can support economic growth and impact.
The day was packed with inspirational keynotes, engaging panel discussions, deep dives into different approaches to commercialisation and networking.
Keynote on research being the passport to impact
Alex Depledge MBE, Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Chancellor, opened the conference with an inspiring keynote address to attendees.
Throughout the day, speakers echoed her call for cross government collaboration to turn ideas with potential into real-world outcomes.
Learning from experience across government
A big focus of this year’s conference was hearing directly from leaders already managing Knowledge Assets in practice.
We heard from a dynamic panel with Will Serle, Patent Attorney at the Ministry of Defence, Louise Fullwood, Legal Director at Pinsent Mason and Dr Mich Lampson, Senior Innovation Manager at the Science and Technology Facilities Council, who explored common misconceptions about IP in commercialisation.
Their discussion encouraged organisations not to overlook valuable IP such as data, know‑how and creative materials, and encouraged teams to build confidence in identifying and managing it.
The panel also stressed the importance of well managed agreements and close collaboration between researchers and commercialisation teams. Throughout the session, the panellists championed the power of networks and drawing on available expertise, including the Knowledge Assets Network.
The importance of commercialisation for economic growth
As the conference drew to a close, Tom Collins, Head of the Balance Sheet Strategy Team at HM Treasury reflected on why Knowledge Assets sit firmly within government’s growth agenda.
He explained how intangible assets drive modern productivity and how public bodies can unlock far greater value from the knowledge they already create.
He highlighted that the growing collaboration across organisations means the public sector is better positioned than ever to realise this potential.
Thanks to all of our speakers and see you again next year!
We encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn using the hashtag #GOTTCon for highlights.
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