1. Identifying Partners

2. Our Aims for this Session Learn how to identify potential Public Research Organisations (PROs) to collaborate with Offer guidelines on selecting PROs to work with Provide you with a model for implementing small scale project collaboration Provide you with good practice guidelines for larger scale collaboration activities Outline the range of EU and National funding available, so that you can initially assess their suitability; and provide contact details for you to explore the option more fully SMEs collaborating with HEIs

3. In a Nutshell SMEs collaborating with HEIs

4. Identifying Good Partners SMEs collaborating with HEIs

5. Exercise For ???’s Business/project, in groups, come up with ten ways to identify potential PRO partners for this business/project (5 mins.) SMEs collaborating with HEIs

6. Sources The internet! Your Own Communication Channels: website, newsletters University Research Portal sites eg http://eprints.ulster.ac.uk/http://eprints.ulster.ac.uk/ University Technology Offer sites eg http://www.openulster.com/http://www.openulster.com/ Scientific/Academic Publications Patents Scientific Conferences Seminars and other form of direct interaction Projects within the EU Framework Programme Intermediaries - local Intermediaries - EU Internal Company Contacts – your staff! Professional Social Networks eg Linkedin SMEs collaborating with HEIs

7. So what makes a “good” partnership?? SMEs collaborating with HEIs

8. What makes a good partnership? Research Shows Trust and Stability Good outcomes are a result of demonstrated commitment SMEs collaborating with HEIs

9. Our Advice SMEs collaborating with HEIs

10. Our Advice Start small (especially for first time SMEs) Recognise the differing motivations Avail of Funding Treat collaboration strategically Align interests Organize for lasting relationships Provide the right professional skills Establish clear intent Use standard practices (next session) and communicate regularly Achieve effective management of intellectual property Provide relevant training SMEs collaborating with HEIs

11. Tools and links for this Session Web links to be embedded SMEs collaborating with HEIs