In the context of today's knowledge society, the university has moved beyond its traditional functions of teaching and research to establish knowledge transfer as its core third mission. This section presents the action plan for UJA TRANSFIERE at the University of Jaén (UJA), designed to ensure that investment in science results in tangible social and economic returns, serving as a driver for innovation and regional development.

This plan is based on a robust legal framework that places knowledge exchange at the heart of the university and science system:

• At the European level: It aligns with Council Recommendation (EU) 2022/2415 of 2 December 2022 on the guiding principles for knowledge valorisation, which replaces earlier approaches to foster an open innovation ecosystem in the European Research Area.
• At the national level: Organic Law 2/2023 on the University System (LOSU) redefines the concept toward "transfer and exchange of knowledge," promoting a two-way dialogue between academia and society. Likewise, Law 17/2022 of 5 September, amending Law 14/2011 of 1 June on Science, Technology, and Innovation, strengthens the role of Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) and enhances legal certainty for research staff in their market interactions.
• At the strategic level: The plan coordinates with the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2024-2027 (PEICTI), which succeeds the previous period with a renewed emphasis on transfer and social impact, in line with the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2021-2027 (EECTI).

Under this regulatory framework, UJA's strategy approaches knowledge transfer from a multidimensional perspective: innovative (products and services), entrepreneurial (patents and spin-offs), and social (linked to Agenda 2030 and the SDGs). To achieve this vision, a strategy has been designed around knowledge transfer, public-private collaboration, and ecosystem capacity building.

Within this framework, and aiming for maximum regional impact, five strategic programs and twelve actions have been defined to energize scientific and technological exchange. These measures cover a comprehensive spectrum: from incentivizing innovative projects and providing specialized transfer training to valorizing research results and strengthening partnerships with the business sector.

These programs aim to consolidate an innovation ecosystem at the University of Jaén, reinforcing its role as a driver for sustainable development and social progress. Through this comprehensive approach, the institution seeks to maximize the impact of its research activity, strengthening ties with society and the local productive sector.

Ultimately, these actions are designed to bridge the gap between scientific production and practical application, responding to the ethical commitment of actively contributing to global well-being and the growth of the province of Jaén.

All of this is articulated in coherence with the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) award, helping to raise the profile and value of transfer, innovation, and community engagement activities as integral parts of diverse, sustainable research careers aligned with social impact.