- Wim Veen
For the final Masterclass of innovation SURF Network Learning are a dozen issues formulated for cooperation of higher education and industry. Because the points are acquired within a single project can not cover all aspects of such cooperation. In other circumstances and other variables in the collaboration between business and research institution may have different and complementary points will play a role. Below is not exhaustive effort.
Issues
1. The basis for cooperation
In the case of the NWL project was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TU Delft and IBM in e-learning the basis for cooperation. This MoU was a natural starting point for cooperation. Yet MoUs not guarantee the success of a project. The NWL project shows that despite an agreement on cooperation in specific institutional level encounter unforeseen circumstances and cooperation can greatly affect.
From the negotiation of the meaning of these MoUs is a prerequisite in the interpretation of the cooperation. In the case of the NWL project has certainly done the latter. Mutual intentions expressed his support and commitment. This support, however no concrete financial gain, all the funds had come from an external source. On the side of the business existed at the highest level, no clear commitment to the initiative.
2. Role and mandate of relations manager
From the company be negotiated by a person designated for that purpose. It is important to know what his position and his mandate is to give assurances on commitment of the company in any form (manpower, hardware, software, out-of-pocket money) In short, know who the negotiations a project account. Ask for commitments as specific as possible and take the time to get them ratified by the management team of the company.
3. Business alignment
Working with a company for the holding of particular interest as almost seamlessly fits into the core business. Fits a project only partially into the existing business objectives and work then the chances of failure are greater. It is therefore of utmost importance that those in the company involved in the project will be an early stage in its preparation process. This is the ownership of the project and encouraged the increased togetherness.
4. Learn to know the company
Every company has its own culture and it is certain that this differs from a research institution. Culture consists of work, communication between employees, hierarchy, reward structures, HR policies and aspirations of employees. Ignorance of these aspects of the culture of a company delays a collaborative project. Important to conduct reconnaissance and expectation management with the aim of mutual incomprehension in advance to bad.
5. First Things Fast
Start at the earliest possible stage during the preparation of the project to formulate a business case. In a business case is unclear what form a commitment from both partners in terms of investment and payback models. The business is unlike regular knowledge institutions such as HBO institutions, always with business cases and cooperation between companies and knowledge institutions can not do without. A business case should make clear that there is mutual benefit to achieve and how each party is willing to invest.
6. Provide financing for the company from the project
It is understandable that public funds should not be given to private companies. Hence, an organization SURF Foundation does not want to spend money on a private party in a collaboration with a research institution. But the concept for this approach has limits. A company that participates in a partnership with universities such as where the last game for the most part funded and only for that company’s own resources should be brought to a very great interest of the company shall, if it is in such construction steps. Especially when it comes to what is ‘softer’ business as a consultancy in which a company like IBM in any case not a novice, it is hard to accept that all activities from the company’s own resources are funded. That makes the interest in such cooperation less. If a project funded by SURF does not allow for co-financing company, is seeking other funding a must for the company’s commitment to anchor.
7. Set up a steering committee with participation of a strong delegation from the company
Unknown, unloved. If management of a company not participating in the life of a project then the chances are that there is little commitment to be expected in the workplace. If the top of the organization no signals come when the project is important, it is only ‘low profile’ likely involvement of the people who work to carry.
8. Ensure commitment from senior management
Although it is difficult to senior management to get involved in projects without their support, each project is doomed to failure. Low involvement in the organization has no charisma and has no prospects for growth.
9. Provide a network of contacts from various departments some of which can benefit from cooperation
Create a network of people from different departments in the project potential benefits for them to find. This is not automatic and must therefore be actively working to build a community of interest. This can be in the form of a virtual community. The research institution may actively support and encourage community through blogs, virtual meetings, and easily readable “news flashes” in an environment that is clickable via email. Provide the social network of information and communication.
10. Organize trainees in the framework of cooperation knowledge that is relevant to the business
The quality of the relationships between people in an organization are key determinants in the success of it. This argument holds even for a collaborative project between a research institution and a business. The quality of relationships is influenced by qualitative input to deliver from the research institution. This input of knowledge and support is always appreciated by companies, especially if trainees perform tasks relevant to the business of the company. For research institutions provide interns also gain by students in authentic contexts of learning and provide practical knowledge of the business which it is cooperating. Interns are very good ambassadors of the research institution and are also interesting for the company as a prospective employee. They are a win-win situation for both parties.
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