Research, Business and Innovation Professor Stephen Hagen Director

EU is keen to develop further as a knowledge-based economy, one in which wealth and power are not constrained by the availability of raw materials and fuels, which depends instead on ability and know-how The EU has set a 3% (GDP) target for investment in innovation = European Commission estimates that Europe will need an extra 700,000 researchers

Lack of information on researchers entering employment There are only a few studies of this information except: e.g. Trends in OECD labour markets for researchers. Vienna 1- 2 June 2006 e.g. OECD 2007 Report on international mobility for PhDs Position still uncertain

General trends in OECD Research on Labour Markets Pressures on Demand for research from industry: Responsiveness of demand (skills and training issues) Changes in the way research is done (more networking, alliances) Globalisation of R&D (outsourcing of the “D” in R&D) “Star scientists” and research teams New public funding and priorities creating independent centres of competence under different labour rules Pressures on the market (supply from universities) Growth of fixed term contracts, slow growth in permanent posts Need for greater mobility, including foreign talent from outside EU Non-differentiated wages; rise of performance pay makes researchers vulnerable (long-term occupation with few quick results)

Universities have so far concentrated on excellent research, rather than on commercialisation of research results, Industry/business has funded research for revenue and profit, based on a short term agenda, whilst at the same time patenting research results from universities. This has created the well-known knowledge-transfer gap between universities and industry, where the focus for university researchers is on the number of cited publications per year where their job prospects lie

The appointment of researchers can work very well: `We like PhDs in our business sector – they never take anything at face value. That is a real bonus in a business compliance function. Their philosophical training and critical judgement have direct application in business services, whatever the topic of their research` Head of Graduate Recruitment, ‘Big 4’ Accountancy firm

Companies need researchers with a special skill-set and mindset ´We need people who have a deep down knowledge of technology, can demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems efficiently, and be active within our company culture as well. PhD graduates can also act as a bridge between universities and industry, helping to promote technology transfer and a knowledge flow in both directions` Karsten Vandrup, Nokia

Roberts Report (UK) Many employers have identified a shortage of skills amongst researchers in seven areas: Research skills and techniques Research environment Research management Personal effectiveness Communication skills Networking and team working Career management

Issues: New Partnership Models needed between HE and business (= responsible partnering models) University – Business research collaborations (= minimising cultural divide, contracts and IPR issues) Training of researchers to make them ´´fit for purpose´´ in industry and business, and enabling programmes to help researchers to spin companies out of universities ( = entrepreneurship training)

Responsible partnering takes many forms: Continuing affiliations to sustain a succession of projects between companies and PROs and underpin key skills and resources Long term strategic efforts, perhaps involving a dynamic group of players. The human genome project is a good example.

Summary of Possible Actions How to universities ensure that they benefit from more collaborative research with business and enterprise partners? By being able to diversify funds for research and doctoral training? By attracting more high level professionals with inter- sectoral skills and experience? By developing a wider range of career opportunities for young researchers? By ensuring greater proximity with business as a driver for innovation (through science and business parks)?

Questions for the Working Group How do universities meet the challenges for changing the mind-set inside universities and business to ensure: University/enterprise collaborative research is treated as part of university excellence and rewarded accordingly Investment is made in university Partnership strategies that enhance effective processes e.g. regarding –knowledge transfer and IPR expertise –research management –researcher training –collaboration and exchange with potential business or industry partners (secondments etc)

Questions for the Working Group Should there be more provision of educational programmes for PhDs and the research community in universities to develop KT knowledge, entrepreneurship skills and the necessary mindset? Should Universities work more with employers to develop greater awareness of the University culture, research mission and how industry can best benefit from collaboration?