Collaborative Research

WHY CONDUCT COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH?

To encourage cross-sector and interdisciplinary research
To ensure that the research project is rooted in the realities of society and the economy
To reach out to users and meet their needs
To pool resources (data, equipment, samples)
To combine the know-how and expertise of each partner
To stimulate co-creation and collective intelligence
To maximise the impact and transferability of research

KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER:

Complementarity

It is vital there is a complementarity of expertise within a research team. Your KTO can help you think about how your expertise can help you fit into a team and help you to choose and identify your potential partners.

Collaboration agreements and intellectual property

Collaboration agreements must formalise the partnership and define the roles and actions of each partner, the resources available and the timetable for achieving the desired objectives. The ownership of findings and their confidentiality must also be defined in a contractual agreement. Your KTO will help you to negotiate these agreements before the start of the project to ensure it runs smoothly and that the partners are in agreement.

Common language and timeframes

Before and during the project, it is important to develop a common language and to communicate each other’s expectations, particularly with regard to timeframes, which may differ between the field and the research team. This helps to develop a relationship of trust that is essential to the smooth running of the project.

When to involve the partner

The partner(s) can be involved at any stage, subject to their relevance to the project. However, it is often preferable to bring in certain skills early in the project.