Title: The strategic mismatch of industrial and university research

Authors: Robert D. Handscombe, Eann A. Patterson

Addresses: Business Development Services, University of Sheffield, 8-10 Favell Road, Sheffield S3 7QX, UK. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK

Abstract: An industrial research management framework is applied to universities. Drivers and barriers are reviewed as is the conflict that whilst the national economic need is for universities to transfer complete, relevant and timely research to industry, the driving force within universities is to generate research that may well be relevant in the future but by its nature is rarely timely or complete. The framework indicates preferred strategies for university/industry collaboration and also reveals a typical university research strategy which is quite different from a typical industrial one. In particular, in those universities where the pressure is on departments to maintain or improve their research rating as a priority, growth of near market activity would appear to be a poor strategy. Conclusions are drawn identifying clear directions for industry and universities.

Keywords: strategic planning; research; technology transfer; matrix; university; industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2000.001389

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2000 Vol.2 No.1/2/3/4/5/6/7, pp.1013-1023

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

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