Industry engagement and business development

Engaging with industry throughout the research process can deliver meaningful benefits for both the researcher/research team and the business.

These benefits include:

• Finding commercial opportunities and applications for your research
• Raising the profile and real-world impact of your research – helping the research transition beyond the lab
• Diversify funding for your research, so you can build a financially sustainable research portfolio
• Providing students and academic staff with opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills
• Gaining access to specialist technology, infrastructure, data, and expertise hosted by industry
• Access industry problems and data to discover and inform research questions

There are several ways to identify and connect with potential industry partners:

• Contact UniServices: The UniServices team have relationships with industry, investors, and funders. The team works hard to match and promote University research in areas where it can deliver value with a variety of stakeholders for social, environmental and economic benefit.
• Professional networking and events: Industry contacts are often made at industry-focused conferences, workshops, and other sector events. Take the time to understand how to effectively promote your research in a way that is accessible and highlights its relevance and value to prospective funders.
• Requests for Proposals (RFPs): Companies and Government agencies (NZ and abroad) frequently issue RFPs seeking research support or research-informed services. These are an opportunity to tailor a proposal that aligns with both your research goals and the funder’s objectives. 
• Social media and online platforms: Tools like LinkedIn can be useful for identifying companies or individuals working in related fields. Don’t hesitate to connect with key people or businesses to start a conversation. This is also a valuable channel to promote your research to potential partners. Remember to tag your communications team, colleagues and UniServices so we can amplify your message.

A successful industry relationship starts with good preparation.

• Research the company’s strategic direction. Look at annual reports, current projects, and investments to ensure alignment with your research objectives.
• Understand any existing or past partnerships in your department or network that may inform your approach.
• Clearly articulate what value you offer and what you are seeking. What is your unique value proposition?

See the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement's guidance on initiating a relationship with a potential industry partner: Partnership Working. 

Proximity can create stronger working relationships, generating new opportunities for you and your industry partners.

Newmarket Innovation Precinct (NIP) facilitates and helps to manage ongoing engagement with industry through a University-based co-location community, allowing researchers to work ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with industry.

The UniServices team can help identify potential partners, build networks, craft proposals and more.

Contact UniServices.