Published in association with
by Adrian Pryce DL, Associate Professor, University of Northampton
CAN you help? The University of Northampton invites you to participate in a research project about business-academia links.
You will have seen a series of articles here showcasing the work of the university, in what we call Knowledge Exchange, supporting local organisations through our corporate and community outreach initiatives.
Synergy between business and academia is increasingly vital in today’s knowledge-driven economy. This interaction can create an exchange of ideas, fostering innovation, economic growth and societal advancement through research collaboration, employee development, technological advancements and entrepreneurship.
Despite the benefits, collaboration between business and academia often comes with challenges. Intellectual property rights, differing priorities and cultural and timing differences can lead to misunderstandings and tension. Academia often prioritises knowledge dissemination and long-term research while businesses focus on immediate commercial gains.
The interplay between business and academia should be a cornerstone of innovation, prosperity and shared progress. There is growing pressure on universities from government to work more collaboratively with other actors in the economy – the civic authorities, charities, business – to address social issues and support economic development.
Some people call it the ‘Third Mission’ – universities not solely focusing on research and education as their primary missions but also participating in the development of their regions. Others refer to the ‘Triple Helix’ -interactions between academia, industry and government to drive the knowledge economy and, therefore, knowledge exchange.
So, as the only university in Northamptonshire, we have an important role to play. The 2018 move to the new Waterside Campus was a strategic decision to reduce the gap between ‘town and gown’. We are working ever more closely with the local councils and business support organisations such as Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, Brackmills and Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement Districts as well as with groups such as NNBN, to learn from them and support their members.
New research project
We are keen to understand the nature, scope and strength, the opportunities and challenges of the links between businesses and academia, and we need YOUR help.
Through a series of one-to-one interviews and focus groups, we would like to find out how the University of Northampton can help you, hear examples of any previous engagements, what went well, what not so well.
Do you find it easy or not to contact us? What else should we be doing to support you and your business, in terms of research, teaching and preparing our students for your employment?
Meanwhile, we are Open4Business!
You can hear interviews with local business, charity and civic leaders on our local radio show, Tuesdays 7pm-9pm on NLive Radio 106.9FM, available live and to Listen Again digitally via www.nliveradio.com.
With extended interviews, hear how we showcase and learn from local organisations across the town and county.
If you would like to join this research, and promote your business on Open4Business, please get in touch. Contact Adrian via or call 07720 297 402.
