Academia for R & D — finding the perfect match How might these businesses create the mutually beneficial partnerships they require in this day and age ? One platform that ’ s helping them to do so is Konfer .
PEOPLE
importance of them being viewed as long-term at the highest level of all involved . Ultimately , there also needs to be a clear strategic “ what is in it for me ” for both parties if it is to survive competing calls on time and budget over the ensuing years .
“ There are lots of basics that need to be in place early on : in particular , agreements regarding intellectual property must be agreed upon and transparent , without putting undue risk on either party . In my experience the partnerships that work the best do so because expectations from both parties are managed right from the start ; this is because there is a clear benefit for all involved , but mainly because partners really want to make it work .
“ My institution , NMiTE ( the new engineering university being created in Hereford in the UK ), is taking these principles up a level by boldly forgoing set textbooks , lectures and exams . Instead we are focussing entirely on a curriculum based around teams of students solving practical challenges actually designed in association with engineering companies to reflect the technical and commercial challenges they currently face .
“ We are currently working with a range of engineering and manufacturing companies to help tackle the current shortage of suitable graduates that such businesses regularly report , and I am inviting all others that are interested to get involved .”
Academia for R & D — finding the perfect match How might these businesses create the mutually beneficial partnerships they require in this day and age ? One platform that ’ s helping them to do so is Konfer .
With a “ trusted user group ” that includes leading business groups and companies representing bioscience , commercial chemistry , cybersecurity , digital media , energy , food production , intelligent mobility and transport , land management , technology and textiles , Konfer aims to accelerate research partnerships with UK universities .
Founding members include Capgemini , National Tryst , and Unilever , and total members represent a collective turnover / income of over £ 48.6bn ($ 68.69bn ). Konfer takes the form of a free online match-making tool , which connects businesses with research expertise and funding opportunities . It is backed by 132 universities in the
44 April 2018