GuildHE is pleased to invite members to a practical, interactive workshop focused on building capacity and confidence in knowledge exchange (KE) and innovation.

The session will explore how institutions can strengthen their KE and innovation activity, develop capability and confidence across their teams, and make better use of the opportunities available to them.

Rather than a presentation-led session, this will be a peer learning and group coaching workshop, giving participants space to reflect on their own institutional context, share experiences and challenges, and learn from colleagues across the GuildHE community.

Discussion may include:

  • Building institutional capacity and confidence in KE and innovation
  • Demystifying KE and making it more accessible to colleagues across the institution
  • Developing a more enterprising approach to research, knowledge and collaboration
  • Identifying and making the most of opportunities such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF)
  • Developing commercial thinking around research and collaboration, including identifying opportunities and building a business case
  • Recognising and articulating the strengths of your institution’s KE provision
  • Addressing common challenges and barriers to developing KE capacity
  • Supporting colleagues from different backgrounds and career pathways to engage with KE and innovation

The workshop will provide an opportunity to consider what is working well, where the challenges lie, and what practical steps could be taken to strengthen KE and innovation activity within your institution.

Speakers

Jo Cresswell

Jo is an experienced former Research Director with over 18 years’ experience developing and delivering effective research infrastructure and processes. She works in partnership with professional and academic colleagues to create positive and inclusive research environments that support researchers to thrive and deliver high-quality research with impact.

Phil Leigh

Phil is an experienced CEO, engineer and environmental scientist with a strong background in commercialising research and developing knowledge exchange between industry and academia. He has established and run SMEs, managed major UK and European projects, and worked extensively with businesses and stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Phil brings a strong commercial and strategic perspective, with particular experience in connecting business, academia, science and engineering.

Who should attend?

The workshop is open to GuildHE Research (GHER) members and members of the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place Network.

Places will be limited to support an interactive, cohort-based format.