"The issue of the university and business interaction remains relevant for many countries,” Polina Kachurina says. “The experience exchange and success stories analysis help to find the right decisions in the formation of our own model of relations with business partners. Round table discussion at the ISPIM forum provides this opportunity".
The experience of universities in Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand was analyzed during the event. Each of them is unique, but, according to ITMO University ambassador, the experience of the Institute of Technology (Germany) was the most interesting. The Institute has special Centers of Excellence run by clusters and formed by five or six non-competing companies for three years. Together, they tackle problems in the field of innovation management. As a result, companies are able not only to use the services of qualified experts, but also to expand their network of contacts. Graduates are often attracted to the work of such clusters.
The work scheme of the German university centers of excellence is similar to the model of the Finnish Demola project, which is now popular in many European countries. Starting Oct. 1, 2014, a similar project has been implemented at ITMO University in conjunction with the Ingria business incubator. In Germany, specially formed group led by professors solve the current tasks. The results obtained can become a practical part of the thesis for foreign students.
Moreover, for becoming the cluster-center participant, companies pay a monetary contribution in the amount of EUR 10 000 per year (30 000 for three years). This increases the responsibility of all. Consulting services of university is a regular practice in Europe, but it generates income only if university has a good reputation, and its brand is widely known. Institute of Technology and Management Processes used the experience of Ghent University where this type of service is provided by the company for over 20 years.
Representatives from different countries and business cultures agreed that one of the main issues that exist today in the university-industry collaboration is a big gap between the results of the research activities and the specific needs of production. This problem can’t be solved without thoughtful management and close cooperation between universities and business representatives. Therefore, the process of technology transfer should begin with an exchange of experiences and knowledge between researchers, developers, product marketing specialists and industry representatives. In the meantime, universities and business speak different languages.
The visit to Singapore has already brought some results. ITMO University and ISPIM reached an agreement to help promote ITMO internationally. ITMO and ISPIM also planned a joined event that will mark the beginning of cooperation between members of the Association and Russian partners. The possibility of attracting investments in University’s startups, in particular - in ITMO University Design Bureau of modern technologies, were discussed.
ISPIM is the collaboration of researchers, manufacturers, consultants and representatives of the authorities in the field of innovation management. Founded in 1983 by Professor Knut Holt in Norway, ISPIM is the oldest and largest association in Europe. Ambassador Polina Kachurina considers it necessary to increase the involvement of Russian specialists in society activities.