Developing university–society partnerships with a focus on climate change impact research using the 'business assist' model

Sarah Ward,Stephen De Mora,Rebecca Adams,Sophie O'Callaghan,Chloe Uden,Hugh Swire,Neil Warren,David Butler,Mairi Wickett

doi:10.18546/rfa.02.1.14

Abstract

This article explores the experiences generated through a programme of engaged research with university–society partnerships focused on businesses, climate change impacts and environmental technologies. The programme was co-created through research and development collaborations between a university, several large organizations, including the Met Office, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Regen SW and IBM, and ten small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through a critically reflective narrative account and two case studies, which represent the perspectives of all involved, this article considers the processes of engagement, their effectiveness, the outcomes delivered and recommendations, as well as the context and influence of European policy – represented by the 'business assist' (BA) model – on creating engaged research. The co-creation of mutually beneficial space emerged as a key success factor, which challenged the short-term focus of the BA model.

Highlights

The category of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is defined by staff headcount and annual turnover
Lessons learned to improve engagement of SMEs using the business assist model Considering the above case studies, opportunities and challenges, we propose the following lessons learned:
Through critically reflecting on the engaged research experiences between a university, large organizations and a group of small to medium-sized enterprises, this article has identified that outcomes useful to all parties can be created

Summary

Introduction

The category of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is defined by staff headcount (employing fewer than 250 people) and annual turnover (not exceeding 50 million euros). Of the engaged research methods utilized in the overall centre programme, those primarily used within the R & D collaborations included creating space for conversations, knowledge transformation and exchange, performing experiments, writing accessible reports, catalysing networking opportunities and making digital stories Reflections on these methods will be expanded upon through two case studies, WITT Energy and Water Powered Technologies (WPT). 10 R & D collaborations were undertaken, only 5 product launches occurred (during the duration of the project), whereas 20 other businesses (a subset of the overall 200 SMEs enlisted on the programme) were able to launch new processes or services without undertaking specific engaged research through R & D collaborations This finding is of interest for funders and policymakers, as policies and strategies aimed to support R & D activities may not necessarily result in the desired levels of GVA (a measure of productivity, mentioned in the previous section). Focusing on the provision of a longer period of support to businesses could have improved this, which may have improved the quality and robustness of the engaged research undertaken

Conclusion

Funding and acknowledgements

Findings

Notes on the contributors