Parmjit S. ChimaHead of School

Engineering, Design & Manufacturing Systems

Birmingham City University

UK University Business Interaction Facts:

• £3.4 billion to the economy in 2011-12 through services to business, including commercialisation of new knowledge, delivery of professional training and consultancy.

• 11 per cent increase in activity benefitting SMEs which gain a competitive advantage from their association with universities – for example through access to specialist knowledge (via consultancy) or facilities (such as rapid prototyping or computer-aided design).

• 5 per cent increase in engagement with large businesses to £365 million in 2011-12.

• Public organisations also increased their engagement with universities (by 5 per cent overall) for research, consultancy, training and access to intellectual property.

Higher Education – Business and Community Interaction Survey 2011-12

Reasons for Lack of Business Collaborations with Universities

• University activities not relevant to business needs• Businesses do not know what Universities have to offer• No information on how to collaborate• Collaboration is costly and time consuming• Universities operate in the long term – need short term

solutions• We speak different languages !

• Research & Development• Consultancy• Student and Graduates• Training & Development• Equipment & Facilities• Business Start-up and Incubation• Funding Support

Business Support Services

Types of University – Business interaction contributing to Innovation

Case Study: Knowledge Based Partnership (KTP)

• UK-wide programme operated by TSB• Encourages businesses to improve their

competitiveness, productivity and performance through partnership.

• A recently qualified graduate (Associate) is recruited to work on a project for one-three years.

• KTPs have helped businesses to design new products, examine business models and improve manufacturing processes.

• KTPs have benefited businesses both large and small, including third sector and public sector organisations, across many industries.

Award winning KTP Programmes between

Birmingham City University and Morgan Motor Company Ltd.

In the cases of Birmingham City University collaborations, companies benefit from:

•Increased profits, •Gaining greater market share•Enhanced reputation.

Charles Morgan, centre left, with BCU KTP trio Matthew Welch, Matthew Humphries and Tom CoxLord Stafford

Achievement in Innovation Award

The KTP’s has elevated teaching and learning experiences:

•Staff have been able to draw upon the experiences gained to enhance their teaching.

•Students have benefited from working on case studies which are industrially relevant.

•Students have gained valuable experience in preparation for entering industry once graduated.

• KTP Associates have gained employment with Morgan Motor Company

iRacer – Electric Race Car

• STEM Initiative – Build an Electric Race Car• Engineering Students – Placements &

Internships• UG & PG Student Projects• Automotive Master Classes• Research Projects – New Materials & Battery

Technology• New Product Development• …and more!

Thank you for listening