A technology showcase to encourage businesses and academics to collaborate on new products and services is to take place at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The Scottish Government recently urged companies to step up research and development in a bid to compete in the global market place in the wake of the recession and Technology Showcase 2009 is an ideal opportunity for firms to grasp the initiative.
Bridging the gap between academia and business the event, which takes place at the University’s Saltire Centre on Friday October 23rd, is designed to highlight the range of technology and expertise on offer through the university’s knowledge transfer project KIT-OUT.
“We have been very successful, particularly in the small and medium enterprise sector, in getting companies who have never worked with universities before to engage with us. More than 300 businesses have engaged with KIT-OUT in the last two and half years.” said Derek Gallaher, Project Manager based at the university.
“We provide an environment and organised events to bring industry and academia together. Once we have got the communication going we can act as a translation bureau so both organisations are talking the same language and getting the full benefit of co-operation.
According to The Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) business innovation is a major driver of economic growth yet, compared to the rest of the UK, Scottish companies often fail to utilise the research and development (R&D) capabilities of leading universities.
Although Scotland’s academics are recognised for the quality of their research few firms are aware of the talent of expertise available to help them develop world-beating products and services.
Per head of population Scotland spends more money on research in the higher education sector than any of the other countries of the UK. However, Business R&D conducted in Scotland under-performs the rest of the UK, contributing only 0.56% of GDP compared with 1.08% for the UK as a whole.
“Companies get confused with the idea of R&D, especially small and medium sized companies who think research and development is something only big organisations do.” said Mr Gallaher.
“But often small companies are at the forefront of innovation and all they need is a little push in helping them to realise their goals.”
Businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to attend the Technology Showcase 2009 where they can talk with companies who have already undertaken collaborative knowledge transfer projects with academic experts.
Companies and individuals with project ideas or new products under development will be able to discuss innovation grants, funding opportunities and other business development assistance available from a range of public sector support bodies who will also be exhibiting.
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For further information please visit http://www.KIT-
