University of University Innovation Fund (UIF) AY 2017-2018
UIF Platform Grant 250k The University confirms that it is committed to continued support for innovation and will match the platform grant of 250k for 17/18 to continue providing the core capacity and building on the success and established good practice of the University in this domain. The effectiveness of the combination of the University s innovation support with the excellence of the research base has been recognised by Reuters in their Most Innovative Universities in Europe league of 2016 where the University is ranked 1st in Scotland, 5th in the UK after Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford and Manchester and 18th in Europe. The ranking, based on the last 5 years, directly reflects: Patent activity including, volume of patents filed, success rate in obtaining granted patents which is the third highest of any UK University, and number of times our patents have been cited in other patents. Commercial impact of our research including number of times our journal articles have been cited in patents which is rated the highest of any UK University. Industry engagement through the number of journal articles we publish in collaboration with industry. The University is also ranked top in the UK and 16th worldwide in the Times Higher Education 150 under 50 rankings, (Universities under 50 years old) and are 1 ST in the UK for Industry Income (collaboration) and 35th in the world. University Innovation Fund Outcomes Grant The University is committed to sharing and developing best practice with the Scottish HEI partners to address the 7 Outcomes (SFC/GD/2016). In discussion with Scottish Funding Council (SFC) we have agreed that the best mechanism to work at a sector level to deliver the national outcomes is to undertake to work together to: Analyse current activity and identify best practice On the basis of this, where appropriate, devise and execute a pilot programme If successful, develop/initiate a sector-wide programme Through the Research and Commercialisation Directors Group (RCDG) each institution has agreed to contribute to various outcomes. Each institution notes and acknowledges the importance of each of the outcomes but for the best use of resource each institution will be involved with a different combination of work. The University has signed up to outcomes 1-5 inclusive. have chosen not to lead an activity this year due to key staff changes in the TTO but will participate fully in the working groups. The full list is attached as an appendix. Outcome 1 (demand stimulation) Current and ongoing The University of is committed to increasing industrial engagement and strategic partnerships with industry and the public sector on a local, national and global basis. The University has a strong track record of repeat business with industry and partnering through a range of flexible models from SME s to multinationals and across a range of funding packages including EU funding. Engagement through the Public Sector encompasses many fields and includes the Scottish Institute for Policing Research which is a strategic partnership between Scotland's universities and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. It focuses on conducting high quality, independent research of relevance to policing and, by engaging in knowledge exchange, ensuring the findings from research are integrated into policing policy and practice. This experience provides an excellent base from which to build further demand and engagement models in collaboration with the other HEIs and EA s and Interface.
Future The University is developing tailored Engagement Strategies across the Schools, to support the increase in industry and public sector engagement. In parallel the University is increasing the TTO s professional business engagement staffing and outward facing activates designed to stimulate demand and raise the awareness of opportunities for collaboration and engagement expertise and consultancy. The TTO staff will guide and support academia/industry collaboration across a wide range of funding sources and refer and introduce projects to follow on funding through the relevant agencies. remains committed to training new and existing TTO staff using the professional networks of AURIL, ASTP, AUTM and Praxis and in house training and sharing training opportunities with other HEIs. Bespoke training and specific training on new funding opportunities is undertaken as appropriate. Priority Actions PA(4)-Set out the breadth and depth of professional development available to University Enterprise and Innovation officers; identify any gaps. PA(5) Enhance skills for the effective collaboration within the academic and SME business base. PA(6) Shifting from the transactional to more strategic relationships. PA(8) Post referral protocols-heis and ICs. These priority actions are addresses in the scope of activity described under Outcome 1 but also in the narrative of Outcomes 2 and 3 as these are cross cutting actions which are embedded in the approach of the University to collaboration with industry and economic development activities. The University will be an active participant in the RCDG working group identifying best practice and developing and implementing collaborative models for industry and public sector engagement Outcome 2 (simplification/commercialisation) Current and ongoing The University is already fully engaged with collaborative initiatives between Scottish HEIs to simplify business access and engagement with Universities and remains committed to and active in: the development and implementation of template contract arrangements for contracts between Scottish SME s and Scottish Institutions. the RCDG Spin Out support group, the group are developing a short public document to support ease of understanding and transparency on common principles adopted by Scottish HEIs to encourage and facilitate company formation. supporting Interface and currently handles 200 Interface directed enquiries per annum through the TTO in addition to supporting Interface events and meetings. common marketing of University technologies and expertise through the Scottish HEIs shared UT.COM website. Other or alternative common /centralised vehicles will be examined and a sub group of RCDG, of which is a member, is currently exploring this. Priority action- (PA7) Implement enhanced template contract arrangements for SME s in all Scottish universities. This priority action is addressed through this activity.
Future The University is exploring and developing areas for increasing and encouraging industrial engagement and areas of investment which are referenced under Outcome 3. The University will be an active participant in the RCDG working group on Outcome 2 identifying best practice and devising and implementing collaborative initiatives for business access. Outcome 3(simplification/greater innovation) Current and ongoing The University of has an excellent track record of delivering innovation. Underpinning this success is, a flexible approach to models of cooperation, funding, business engagement and commercialisation and a clear understanding of sector needs. The University of is particularly known for its international reputation and delivery of outcomes in the Bio/life sciences field. A biosciences cluster has developed around the University continues to grow through University Spin Out and Start ups and inward investment. The University s Drug Discovery Unit provides an exceptional resource and opportunity for national and internal collaboration and cooperation between HEI s and industry and the opportunity for company formation and growth through the translation of innovation and licensing opportunities. Design is a key strength for the University and the Design in Action (DIA) Scotland s Knowledge Exchange Hub for the Creative Economy, funded by AHRC and led by, allowed 6 Scottish HEIs to develop a proven innovation methodology using design to facilitate KE and drive economic growth in Scotland. Although recognised as an outstanding success, a lack of funding prohibits the continuation of the DIA itself but the DIA legacy is thriving and is being translated into innovation models in Scotland. Developing ways of sharing this practice and learning on the design led approach with the EAs and Interface and other HEIs is a pivotal opportunity. Future The University has established platforms of excellence and reputation in Bio/life sciences, Medtech Design, Creative Industries and Forensic Sciences which provide extensive opportunities to stimulate innovation and collaboration. The University is exploring the creation of new models for interdisciplinary centres and facilities around these key strengths and sectors, to drive innovation and build collaboration across sectors with design led approach, entrepreneurism and inclusive engagement being central to these models. The scope of this activity references PA6 The University will play an active role in the RCDG working group identifying best practice innovation and sharing s extensive sector experience and models to drive innovation particularly in the Bio/life sciences field and in Design led approaches and collaboratively devising new models for implementation in conjunction with the EAs and Interface. Outcome 4 (Entrepreneurialism) Growing and Embedding the Entrepreneurial Culture The University is committed to embedding Enterprise and Entrepreneurial thinking within education and in its quest for entrepreneurial excellence the University has entered into a partnership with the accelerator company Elevator for the joint creation of s first Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE).
The proposed centre will be open access and available to all individuals, interested in founding enterprises, from the surrounding region and beyond. Building on s global reputation for design innovation and research (UNESCO City of Design, V&A Museum of Design ) the facility will be one of the first entrepreneurial centres in the world that will capitalise on design - led approach for the way that start - up and scale up businesses will be guided. The first centre will be based on the University campus and provide: A 1600 sq ft. unit manned by Elevator and CoE University staff. Open - door policy for individuals, across all sectors, seeking business advice. Desk space for up to 20 business founders for 3 different cohorts per year. Seating for local business advisors from Business Gateway. Hot desking for professional partner advisors including banks and accountants. Entrepreneurial Library. Meeting and Presentation spaces and facilities. Video Conferencing systems. The University is committing space, cash investment and human resource and expertise to develop the facility which will open in September 2017. This new activity complements the University s existing support for entrepreneurial activity and enterprise creation; including pre incorporation nurturing of enterprise opportunities. University business plan competitions, that are open to all staff and students, promotional activity, training to raise entrepreneurial awareness and Incubation facilities open to Spin Outs and external fledgling technology companies. Embedding entrepreneurship teaching within the curriculum remains a high priority for the University and is currently delivered through bespoke credit bearing modules with additional modules under development. The modules are assessed by University staff in Enterprise and Careers and include input from entrepreneurs and employers. Priority Actions - PA(1)-promote entrepreneurial opportunities to students during their studies. PA(2)-Increase development opportunities for and uptake of entrepreneurial training and education and develop institutions PR actioner-led entrepreneurial training These priority actions are served by the current and new activity which the University is undertaking in this area. The University already collaborates with Scottish Universities, actively participating and funding the Converge Challenge Fund and engaging with Enterprise Campus. will join the RCDG working Group to identify and share best practice and devise sector wide collaborative programmes for the future. Outcome 5 (International) Current and ongoing The University has an international outlook for research and teaching and collaborates and cooperates with industry, government and academia on a global scale. The University is effectively a global company with extensive networks and has established, successful working relationships with SDI and has participated in and contributed to inward and outward missions led by SDI for the past two decades.
The University will continue to work closely with SDI, collaboratively across the HEI sector and as an individual institution, helping to build and expand networks and increase international engagement and activity. Planning shared industry visits to Scotland and holding collaborative Industry Days with Scottish companies and HEIs will be an areas for exploration and development. The University has successful track record in partnering with Scottish business and SME s in funding proposals which have led to the companies collaborating on an international stage and progressing to developing new collaborations with international partners. Future Working with RCDG will be an active member of the working groups identifying best practice and implementing and promoting new models for working together with SDI, Connected Scotland and others. The University has committed to embracing and fostering internationalisation through new teaching partnerships, student recruitment in addition to research collaborations and strategic partnerships with industry. This increased in international activity provides potential new opportunities for collaboration and expansion of the Scottish connections and networks which will be explored in the RCDG working groups. Outcome 6 (inclusive growth and social impact) Current and Ongoing The University is major employer in the City of and region supporting over 8000 jobs and has always embraced the Town and Gown ethos. The social and economic impact of the University is currently contributing to a significant transformation of the region. The University was key to winning UNESCO City of Design status and in bringing the V&A at to the City which accompanied by the waterfront redevelopments provide a springboard for future growth. A recent economic study identified that for every 1 of Scottish Government funding the University generates 7 for the Scottish Economy and that one every 12 jobs in City is supported by the University activities. Spin Out and start-up companies from the University contribute to 1160 jobs and over 230m to the Scottish economy. The University wishes to build on this success through all its activities and is planning developments with the City Council to scale the growth and benefits to the region across the Design, Digital, Healthcare, Biomedical and Life Sciences, Forensic Sciences outlined under Outcome 3. The inclusive open- door Centre for Entrepreneurism in partnership with Elevator outlined in Outcome 4 is the start of a step change in inclusive growth and support for the region. Priority Actions- (PA10) -Development of the structures and mechanisms to give more ambitious and effective connection of universities to social and cultural beneficiaries. Is served through the current and planned activity of the University in this area. The University welcomes the creation of the RCDG working group addressing Outcome 6 and will look to the findings of the group and actively participate in the implementation of the recommendations. Outcome 7(equality and diversity) The University is committed to the ethos of operating informed good practice in equality and diversity throughout all its activities, without exception. All University staff undertake mandatory training in equity and diversity and compliance with this requirement is monitored and reported on a regular basis throughout each year by the University HR Directorate to the University Court. UIF funding supports activities which will be underpinned by this ethos. Gender balance is considered and actively implemented in interview and business plan competitions and promotional events and
initiatives. The University welcomes RCDG s efforts on this outcome and will embrace opportunities and best practice identified by the group. Appendix UIF outcomes: leads and contributors Outcome Outcome one (demand stimulation): working with Scotland s enterprise agencies, Scottish Government, business networks, Interface, and others, Scottish HEIs will have helped to increase the demand and quality of engagement from businesses and the public sector for university services. Analysis of practice & identification of best practice Devise & execute programme Develop/initiate sector-wide programme LEAD: Outcome two (simplification/commercialisation): in St Andrews St Andrews St Andrews
partnership with the Enterprise Agencies (EAs) and Interface, Scottish HEIs as a sector will have demonstrably simplified business access to the knowledge and expertise in Scottish universities. LEAD: Outcome three (simplification/greater innovation): in partnership with the EAs and Interface, Scottish HEIs will, at a national level, have made strategic use of their sectoral knowledge to promote greater innovation in the economy (including beyond non- STEM). St Andrews St Andrews St Andrews LEAD: St. Andrews Outcome four (entrepreneurialism): Scottish HEIs as a sector will have made a significant and positive change in the way entrepreneurial St Andrews (3) St Andrews (3) St Andrews (3)
opportunities are promoted and delivered to students, HEI staff, and businesses. LEAD: (creative (creative (creative (creative (creative (creative Outcome five (international): in partnership with Scottish Development International, Connected Scotland and others, Scottish HEIs will have pooled their knowledge and networks, and shared good practice to promote and engage Scotland internationally (operating under Scotland s International Framework). LEAD:
Outcome six (inclusive growth and social impact): Building on current and good practice Scottish HEIs will have scaled up their support of the Scottish Government s ambitions for inclusive growth. (2) (2) (2) LEAD: (creative (creative Outcome seven (equality and diversity): Building on current and good practice HEIs will have ensured positive promotion of equality and diversity in staff and all who are affected by the use of the UIF. LEAD:
Key Note Red = lead Black = contribute Numbers in brackets = preference with 1 as the most preferred SRUC have agreed to contribute to each outcome on primary food/land based sector perspective