« All News & Opportunities

17th June 2013

MediWales’ Expert Advice- June Newsletter

Collaborating with academia

Expert tips from Paul J Smith, Professor of Cancer Biology, Cardiff University

 


1. PRIORITISE: When faced with several internal projects identify those that can generate collaboration outputs that are of real value to the company – this will increase the levels of expectation and purpose. An executive champion is useful at this stage.

2. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Plan your approach to identifying potential collaborators and your initial portal of entry into an academic institute – for example, direct contact with a targeted investigator or indirectly through a research & commercial office. If direct, do your homework on individuals. If indirect, ask to be presented with several potential contacts and ask why they have been suggested.

3. MIND-SET: When approached by an external investigator, ask for their views on how a specific collaboration can provide value to the company – this explores whether the collaborator is willing to place an opportunity within a commercial frame. Try to select researchers who appreciate company practices and technology goals.

4. GROUND RULES: Establish the purpose and extent of discussions and early contacts with collaborators – this allows for protection over disclosure for both sides and fosters a professional approach to the relationship.

5. SHARING: Be as transparent as possible with respect to your level of interest and the importance of the project to your company – this will signal your willingness to invest in long-term relationships.

6. COMMITMENT & TEAM: Seek commitment on both sides. Identify the key internal users of an output at the working level and the specific individual(s) taking responsibility for and working on the project in the academic setting. Having a named individual on both sides will give a sense of ownership of the project. Try to work with the highest quality individuals and ensure that project management experience is deployed.

7. CUNNING PLAN WITH TIMELINES: Have a plan; agree on that plan; be realistic about resources; be open to peer review; manage expectations; be flexible and allow for re-planning. Have an interim deliverable that ’tests’ whether the collaboration is functional, productive and on-track.

8. RELATIONSHIPS: Conduct face-to-face meetings, foster visits between locations and establish the routes for communication. Do not underestimate the time needed to build an effective relationship given that collaborations engineered in response to government/research council initiatives often have tight response times – work on partnership building early and view it as a strategic activity.

9. PROMOTION & FLEXIBILITY: Promote feedback within the company and to the university team on how the collaboration continues to align with company needs – this fosters a positive environment for future engagement and funding relationships.

10. DELIVER AND CELEBRATE: Deliver on promises; take risks on both sides & manage those risks jointly; celebrate success.