Advanced manufacturing
A strategic perspective on CCF-RED: Paving the way for effective TTO services
Our work in the CCF-RED shared TTO services highlights ways in which universities can align their research with national goals and achieve greater impact.
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Oxentia has direct relationships through CCF RED shared TTO services projects with more than 29 universities in England and seen first-hand their ability to respond to change with agility and flexibility resulting in more effective working relationships and partnerships. This then leads us to the question of how a sustainable model can be achieved to maximise the outcomes of the current pilot programme; there are pilot projects underway to address this across all disciplines and also specifically for SHAPE.
This programme aligns with what we are hearing from the new government especially in relation to economic growth, civic and regional engagement, quality and efficiency. However there has been a slow start with communications to understand what the new Government wants to achieve from the university sector.
We know that 2025 will bring more change to the university KE sector with a new director of Knowledge Exchange at Research England to be appointed that will most likely introduce new policies and new initiatives.
We also have Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy for which public consultation closed on 24 November. The new Government states growth as its number one mission with the new industrial strategy central to that growth mission.
The industrial strategy will focus on the sectors which offer the highest growth opportunity for the economy and business. Eight growth-driving sectors have been identified:
Clean energy industries
Creative industries
Defence
Digital and technologies
Life sciences
Professional and business services
In the evolving landscape of UK higher education and industrial strategy, Oxentia’s recent experiences with the CCF-RED shared Technology Transfer Office (TTO) services programme offer valuable insights. These insights are particularly pertinent in light of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s recent address and the government’s “Invest 2035” industrial strategy.
Bridget Phillipson’s address: A call for alignment
On November 4, 2024, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the necessity for universities to align more closely with national economic objectives. She highlighted the role of higher education institutions in driving innovation and equipping graduates with skills that meet industry demands. Phillipson’s speech underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to foster a workforce adept in emerging sectors.
Invest 2035: A strategic framework
The “Invest 2035” strategy outlines a 10-year plan aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It focuses on key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, and digital technologies. The strategy underscores the necessity for a skilled workforce and the pivotal role of educational institutions in cultivating such talent.
Oxentia’s insights from the CCF-RED programme
Through its involvement in six projects under the CCF-RED shared TTO services programme, Oxentia has identified several key insights:
Enhanced Knowledge Exchange
The shared TTO model has facilitates more effective knowledge exchange between universities and industry partners. This collaborative approach accelerates the commercialisation of research outputs.
Resource optimisation
By pooling resources, universities are able to access specialised expertise and infrastructure that would be challenging to develop independently. This approach can provide more efficient management of intellectual property and innovation pipelines.
Capacity building
The programme contributes to building capacity within universities to engage in technology transfer activities. This development is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among academic staff and students.
Implications for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation
The insights from Oxentia’s experience suggest that shared TTO services can play a pivotal role in enhancing knowledge exchange and innovation within universities. By fostering collaboration and resource sharing, these models can help institutions respond more effectively to government strategies.
Moreover, the emphasis on aligning academic research with national economic priorities underscores the need for universities to adopt more strategic approaches to knowledge exchange. This alignment not only enhances the impact of academic research but also ensures that universities remain integral to the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
As the UK government advances its industrial strategy through its 10-year plan “Invest 2035,” universities are called upon to play a more proactive role in driving economic growth and innovation. Oxentia’s experiences with the CCF-RED shared TTO services programme highlight the potential of collaborative models in enhancing knowledge exchange and aligning academic research with national priorities. By embracing such approaches, universities can better fulfill their role as catalysts for innovation and contributors to the nation’s economic prosperity.
