Hi-Tech Business In Training Exchange
Date published: 23rd November 2001
University of Essex has teamed up with an Ipswich-based e-business consultancy to swap research for commercial acumen as part of a Government-funded teaching company scheme.
A top technology research graduate will work with A Recipe for Success, based in Felaw Maltings, on a "technology transfer" development project from January next year.
The scheme gives the graduate the chance to work closely with a small innovative company learning commercial and entrepreneurial skills, while A Recipe For Success gains access to leading-edge research in the university's computer science department.
"This is a major step forward in our growing relationship with the University," said Jeff Hume, a director at A Recipe for Success. "It will enable us to use the latest ideas and research in developing the next generation of e-commerce tools, and make them accessible to small businesses."
At the same time, the company will work closely with the university to ensure its research and training remains up-to-date with the needs of industry.
The teaching company schemes are one of the Government's best kept secrets, said Mr Hume. He believes they will help to bridge the gap between commerce and academia.
"Many universities have collaborations with corporate partners, yet innovation comes primarily from the SME sector. This will encourage technology graduates to consider working for smaller companies or setting up their own businesses when they leave university."
Biological scientists from the University will also be working with a Somerset farming nutrition company to develop biotechnological solutions to improve the shelf life of animal feed.
Business development officer Linda Jones said the University wanted to establish more links with industry through further TCS programmes.
"We want to be more proactive in technology transfer," she said. "We have recently set up a Business Incubation Centre to encourage spin-out businesses from the University's research, and we are planning a hi-tech research park on our Colchester campus."
Businesses in the region keen to work with the University on a teaching company scheme should contact Linda Jones on 01206 872922.
A top technology research graduate will work with A Recipe for Success, based in Felaw Maltings, on a "technology transfer" development project from January next year.
The scheme gives the graduate the chance to work closely with a small innovative company learning commercial and entrepreneurial skills, while A Recipe For Success gains access to leading-edge research in the university's computer science department.
"This is a major step forward in our growing relationship with the University," said Jeff Hume, a director at A Recipe for Success. "It will enable us to use the latest ideas and research in developing the next generation of e-commerce tools, and make them accessible to small businesses."
At the same time, the company will work closely with the university to ensure its research and training remains up-to-date with the needs of industry.
The teaching company schemes are one of the Government's best kept secrets, said Mr Hume. He believes they will help to bridge the gap between commerce and academia.
"Many universities have collaborations with corporate partners, yet innovation comes primarily from the SME sector. This will encourage technology graduates to consider working for smaller companies or setting up their own businesses when they leave university."
Biological scientists from the University will also be working with a Somerset farming nutrition company to develop biotechnological solutions to improve the shelf life of animal feed.
Business development officer Linda Jones said the University wanted to establish more links with industry through further TCS programmes.
"We want to be more proactive in technology transfer," she said. "We have recently set up a Business Incubation Centre to encourage spin-out businesses from the University's research, and we are planning a hi-tech research park on our Colchester campus."
Businesses in the region keen to work with the University on a teaching company scheme should contact Linda Jones on 01206 872922.
Tel: 0845 8 409933