Industrial-academic collaboration - In search of passion

The processes of research in universities are evaluated as a source of expertise of value to the economy. The survey goes beyond straightforward engineering departments and looks at centres of excellence in areas such as astronomy, archaeology, physics, computer science, and chemistry that are not necessarily associated,vith technology transfer. The traditional model of technology transfer is described. The efficiency and limitations of the model which has led to the development of organisations with titles similar to University Business Development Office are discussed. The evaluation includes consideration of the impact of organisational structure on the type and areas of technology transfer that are possible and the opportunities for commercially valuable innovation within these collaborations, Suggestions are made for alternative approaches. The experience at Bradford which led to a proposal to set up an Office of Innovation and Technology is discussed and evaluated as a different approach to building collaborations with industry.