Printable version Universities, HE colleges and the UK research councils have much to offer industry in both the local and national economies. They are aware of the commercial potential of their research facilities and personnel, and understand the role they can play in providing commercial opportunities for industry. Knowledge transfer is a prime objective of both higher education institutions and the research councils, and all work hard to establish research links with companies in all fields of manufacturing and commerce. Industry, too, has realised that there is more to a university than a source of fresh graduates.
Higher education has the research knowledge and resources a firm needs to compete effectively.
There are also a number of public sector research establishments offering specialist research facilities and services. New partnerships are developing to directly involve the cream of Britain's academic researchers in the commercial sector, from the largest multinationals to the smallest local firms. There are many ways in which your firm can benefit from the research potential of higher education. Researchers are now easier to find , as the Internet has made it simpler to contact precisely those institutions and individuals you need. The government now provides financial schemes to help small and medium size companies become involved in this area, so research is increasingly easier to fund.