An Innovation Platform

Abstract

This report has been written on behalf of the North West Universities Association (NWUA) as part of a pilot project to identify and develop an evidence base for innovation platforms in non-science research disciplines. The aim of the project is to provide a focus for the exploration of current issues relating to knowledge transfer approaches in the construction sector and contribute to the understanding of the relationship between Higher Education (HE) and business and the development of an evidence based ‘Innovation Platform’ model. The importance of innovation and knowledge transfer to both the regional and national economy and the crucial role of HE in delivering to this agenda is reflected in the Government’s Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-14, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) Strategic Plan 2006-11, and the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy 2006 (RES). One of the key factors identified within the RES is the need to exploit the region’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to help businesses to innovate and subsequently increase productivity, with particular emphasis on the development of six internationally competitive (high Gross Value Added) sectors, including Business & Professional Services, and the development of important sectors with large and widespread employment, including construction. The importance of developing effective mechanisms for HE-business engagement and knowledge transfer is paramount to achieving this, with NWUA identified as the lead organisation for the transformational action aimed at enhancing business-HE collaboration, primarily by enabling business to benefit from the knowledge, research and expertise within the region’s HEIs. Keywords :