CSTI said: "Many large research intensive firms are looking to consolidate the number of universities they work with. Critically, many are identifying a core set of partners with which to form longer term, deeper and more strategic relationships.
"If successful, these partnerships can unlock significant additional value for both firms and universities. Worryingly, however, for the UK and US, these decisions are becoming increasingly global with competition emerging from key emerging economies."
The report is designed to explore what can be done by universities and their industrial partners to build and nurture mutually beneficial and effective strategic partnerships. It draws on the expert insights and experiences of 70+ senior thought-leaders from leading UK and US universities, major research-intensive multinational firms, and UK and US government funding agencies gathered during a UK-US workshop on this topic in 2014.
The workshop hosted by CSTI in partnership with PraxisUnico, the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership and the Science and Innovation Network.
CSTI said: "A key factor driving successful partnerships is the development of a strong understanding not just of each others' needs, but also of their capabilities, working practices and constraints (related to working with universities/firms). This helps to build mutually beneficial value propositions, more realistic assessments of what can be achieved together, and an understanding of how to realise value."
It added: "Central to the sustainability of these partnerships is the ability to adapt to changing needs and conditions. Flexibility and the willingness to learn about what works and doesn't is paramount. In addition, partnership support and boundary spanning functions are important and need adequately resourcing."
To download the report, click here.
