Business/industrial relationships

Relationships with businesses form an important strategic focus for the University of Cambridge. The majority of such relationships are managed directly between the PI and the business; the Research Strategy Office is involved where there is a framework agreement with the client or where a major corporation has approached the University with a view to developing a relationship.  In these circumstances the Research Strategy Office supports the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) or other academic lead in the management or development of that relationship.

The Research Strategy Office supports effective business relationships by:

• identifying appropriate research staff for the company to meet and effecting such introductions (e.g. through organising workshops)
• managing the day-to-day relationship with key businesses using either its own staff or others such as Knowledge Transfer Facilitators
• ensuring that there is effective communication between all parties so that relationships are professionally maintained and the maximum mutual benefit is secured