There is mutual benefit in doing this. For universities , the industrial link can provide real examples on a scale that dwarfs laboratory-based experiments. Also, the examples come with a real context, which evolves and changes in a challenging way. Working with industry can mean that students and staff are more engaged with their research, because they see it fitting into a bigger context. Universities can offer to business a different perspective on their activity.
Collaboration is also a fertile ground for recruitment , particularly at the doctoral level.
However, there are also obstacles which need to be recognised. We do have different rhythms , and university researchers with limited resources of time and manpower may simply move more slowly than would suit an industrial concern. UKC has experience in drawing up collaboration agreements which seek to minimise the difficulty over IPR and publication. Click here to find out more about the context in which university research is conducted. A view of how things might evolve in the future.