1. Some Advice, Tips & Acquired Knowledge
Prof Richard McClatchey
Centre for Complex Cooperative Systems
FET, UWE

2. Qualities I should have developed
Communication skills
Intellectual skills
IT skills
Organizational skills
Motivation
Independence
Perseverance
Knowledge
of different worldviews
of subject & related subjects
of methods/methodologies
of networks & contacts

3. Actions I could/should have taken
Learn about others’ successful bids – where, how, with whom, on which projects ?
Cultivate links with industry and academia. Look for initiatives.
Network, exchange ideas, keep up-to-date with developments
Play to your strengths. If you already have expertise in one area, develop that first.
Do not spread yourself too thinly. Research resources are valuable and difficult to grow.
Be prepared to fail in bidding. Persevere despite disappointment.
Be patient, focussed and determined….

4. Collaboration & Communication
Look for like-minded researchers.
Develop trust and inter-dependence.
Be flexible and willing to compromise ideals.
Stay in regular contact with collaborators.
Seek co-bidding, co-authoring and co-supervision arrangements.
Go for quick successes as well as longer term targets. Keep the activity ticking over.
Build confidence in your partners.
Build competence in your staff.
People are the research resource.

5. Advice on Support & Funding
Institutional commitment is a pre-requisite. It’s essential to have support of your superiors
Seed-funding / pump-priming helpful
Carry out pilot projects & test-cases (walk before you run). Prove your worth.
Seek local, limited funds and invest in success
Then move to national funding bodies
Look for external funds too (e.g. EU, GGF etc)
Success breeds success….
BUT it may be long time in coming (have patience & perseverence)

6. Summary : Maximising Success
Get informed
Get networking
Get started early
Get good partners
Get support from UWE
Get good at it
Get confident
Get lucky