KE Scotland Conference

Heriot-Watt UniversityFriday 23 April 2010

Laurence Howells

Senior DirectorSkills, Research and Knowledge

Exchange

Contribution of HEIs to economy

• Educating students to possess relevant knowledge, skills and creativity for the economy and society

• Creating new knowledge, accessing existing knowledge to contribute to innovation and business growth

• Providing ‘creative’ space for academic/business interactions

• Attracting inward investment and people • Supporting local communities through

outreach• Contributing business impacts eg

employment, to their host region

What is Knowledge Exchange

“ The two way flow of people and ideas between the research environment and wider economy, thereby contributing to national prosperity, the quality of life of citizens, and cultural enrichment of our society.”

RCUK/DIUS

WEALTHIER & FAIRER • SMARTER • HEALTHIER • SAFER & STRONGER • GREENER

Supportive business environment

‘focus on strengthening the link between Scotland’s research base and business innovation..’

November 2007

HEI KE activities

• Commercialisation

• Industrial/academic engagement

• Problem solving

• People exchange

How can we best enhance the impact on Scotland of HEIs KE

activities?• Be clear about outcomes and mechanisms• Focus on Scottish Government priority

sectors • “World problems” provide an opportunity

(and a threat)• Increase collaborative projects between

academia and business in Scotland, Exploit co-location opportunities

• Continue to raise awareness of, identify market opportunities for Scottish research base strengths

• Support training and career development for academics wishing to pursue collaborative work with business