Industry Liaison: A model for building industry-academic research

capacityCAURA November 2013

Agenda• What is industry liaison?• Why is it important?• Example - U of G model• Model in action• Case study• Discussion

What is Industry Liaison

Why is Industry Liaison Important?

• Increase industry sponsored research investment• Funding imperative - industry partnership • Enhances reputation of institute• Accelerate adoption of new techs in industry

through applied research• Enhance entrepreneurship• Create jobs• Add to prosperity through economic development

U of G Industry Liaison Model• Outside in• Talent-based IL team• Wildly Important Goal (WIG)• ACT! (CRM)• Metrics

Best Practices• Focus on RELATIONSHIPS• Know what interests industry:

• Speed, leverage, reputation, IP• …AND faculty:

• Students, money, longevity, publications, IP?, autonomy

• Know your funding programs

Qualify Industry Liaison Leads

AuthorityCashTiming IdentityObstaclesNeedExpectations

Experiences• Long term process (6+ months)• Many false starts…FOLLOW-UP conversations• Time crunch (faculty & business owners are busy)• Poor performers – know your partners• Negative research results• Media/Other commitments• Manage expectations early/often

Case Study• Company: POST Farm Structures Inc.• Project: Assessment of in-barn fodder

growing/feeding/nutrient production system• Funding partner: OCE

Growing the value of Great ideas