COMMENT T
he UK strategy and vision set out by chief construction adviser Peter Hansford is ambitious, uplifting
and encouraging and it’s pleasing to hear the call for a more collaborative approach between industry and academia. However, the utterings which are of most interest are the removal of barriers that prevent industry exposure to research and those that restrain the intellect of the scientific and industrial community alike. During the CIOB’s latest Innovation
and Research Workshop, this theme of “connecting academia and industry in innovation and research” was discussed (see p54). The debate brought home a number of important issues. As pointed out by Professor Naomi Brookes of the University of Leeds, it is inconceivable to consider research within the sector
convenience. It takes time to form meaningful partnerships.”
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that somehow exists remotely from the industry it serves. However, there are barriers to engagement and the so-called “support mechanisms” are not always that helpful. In whatever capacity, research relies on support and the funding vehicles.
form relationships that avoid one night stands and marriages of
“Industry and academia should
Applications to research councils are resource intensive and slow, and inaccessible for many. Even with a strong team of industry and academic partners committing resource and effort to a well-thought-out proposal, there is no guarantee of success. Misspent effort on research applications can be frustrating for all involved and the research fund may not be the catalyst it hoped to be. Fruitful collaborations do not come
from successful proposals alone, though they do help. And, while the production of the seminal paper serves the researcher well, it is often of limited interest to industry. The company bottom line and key business needs are essential considerations, and those academics distancing themselves from such concerns may curtail their research engagement. David Haines of Manchester Airport
Group gave the academic audience a reality check during his I&R presentation, noting that his organisation does not set aside a budget for research. Research for the group comes with a sound business case. From the comments made by Haines, it was clear that the group had both positive and negative research experiences, some projects being successful and some clearly not. Within any collaboration expectations
need to be managed and understood. At the outset of a research project findings are unknown, and ensuring all are aware that research brings new information
PROFESSOR CHRIS GORSE
Marriage guidance
Academia and industry make perfect partners, but it’s essential that a mutually beneficial relationship is formed
into the arena is something that parties must understand. The new data does not always provide the desired answer. However, as Dr Renni Chadwick noted, structured research reduces industry risks. The knowledge that something is not effective or did not produce the preferred results can prevent considerable loss and wasted effort. Tongue in cheek, Prof Brookes
suggested that industry and academia should form relationships that “avoid one night stands and marriages of convenience”. The problem of early abortive relationships can be common and pre-grant intimacy with potential industry partners can be a fruitless experience if bids are unsuccessful. It takes time to form meaningful partnerships, to understand business and research needs. The bringing together of the industrial and research intellect can be profound and the resource investment recuperated many times over. The funding barriers that are needed to ensure our research is “great” do need addressing – the interest and capability exists.
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Professor Chris Gorse is director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute at the School of the Built Environment and Engineering at Leeds Metropolitan University
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