Building industrial engagement and impact

We're transforming the profile, scale and effectiveness of engagement between the University and industry partners to generate new pathways for research impact, create additional income streams by actively engaging with businesses and fostering collaborations, and expand and enhance our interactions with industry.

The ultimate goal is ambitious and effective industry engagement through strategic partnerships, supported by investment and a shift in culture. This commitment extends to all forms of industry engagement, including collaborative and contract research, consultancy, continuing professional development and access to specialised facilities.

This approach will enhance our reputation with industry, our potential students and research collaborators and partners.

Progress so far

We have established foundational policies, processes and staffing, including developing robust HEBCIS data reporting, establishing a CRM, recruiting new business development staff and BIEI fellows, commercial costing and pricing policies, a due diligence process, the PACE fund and a consultancy policy.

Six growth areas were identified to generate new income streams through knowledge exchange:

Collaborative research grants
Consultancy
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Contract research
Facilities and equipment
Other commercial income (eg licensing or royalties)

The BIEI initiative has now transitioned to business as usual, following the completion of most new appointments and the establishment of effective frameworks and policies to support external engagement, enabling more effective support and accurate measurement of success metrics.