Small businesses are benefitting from partnerships with academic researchers
in the UK.
A new publication, launched today by RCUK, reveals that sectors as diverse as
high precision engineering and educational software have benefited from the Research
Councils’ support for research in Universities and institutes.
At the publication launch of Impacts - Successful collaborations with Small
and Medium Sized Enterprises, Science and Innovation Minister Ian Pearson said,
"Research Councils have a vital role to play in increasing the economic impact of
the UK’s research base. They manage almost £3 billion of the total £6 billion DIUS
research budget and therefore it is important they continue to increase the economic
impacts of their work for the benefit of the UK economy and society."
Speaking on behalf of RCUK, Professor Philip Esler said, "Collaboration between
researchers and small and medium-sized enterprises is extremely valuable to the
advancement of research across the sciences and the arts and humanities. It allows
the industrial partner to gain access to the latest technology, research developments
and knowledge, while the academic partner benefits from working with business on
real problems and develops greater business awareness. It also allows the Research
Councils to maximise the impact of their investments for the benefit of the economy
and enables a two way flow of ideas and knowledge."
Examples of successful collaborations which cover a wide range of areas including
technology, community, health and environment include:
-
Collaboration between Cambridge Life Sciences LTD and the University of Newcastle
Upon Tyne to develop a new product which aims to cut the test processing time
for patients with suspected heart attacks from 4 hours to ten minutes.
-
A study by Researchers from Queens University Belfast to provide the company
Texthelp with independent validation of a piece of software designed to help
children with dyslexia.
-
A collaboration between Westland Geoprojects LTD and researchers from the
University of Plymouth to develop a new marine mammal seismic monitoring system
that will reduce the impact of seismic surveys on marine life.
-
A transfer of technology from Glasgow University to the company Spanoptic
to enable it to develop astronomical lenses for the UK Astronomy Technology
Centre. Spanoptic’s products also have applications in medicine and aerospace
and the company benefited by having a new process available for commercial applications.
-
A researcher from the University of Sheffield working with the company TimberPlay
to revolutionise playground environments and promote the value in ‘natural’
environments.
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Notes
Impacts - Successful collaborations with Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded
by the Science Budget through the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills
(DIUS). They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget
of over £2.8 billion a year.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's seven Research
Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research,
training and innovation they support.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Contact
Julia Short
RCUK Media Officer, Tel 01793 444435