Announcement regarding Research & Innovation
5 March 2009
The role of Research & Innovation (R&I) is to provide end-to-end services which facilitate and support all stages of research and innovation development, from initial funding through to commercialisation, where appropriate.
Over the last 12 months the Senior Management Team and Board of Canterprise have been considering how best to support and encourage innovation and commercialisation at the University.
As part of this process an external consultant reviewed the organisation of research and commercialisation systems at the University of Canterbury. After considering the recommendations of the review, Research & Consultancy and Canterprise activities have been integrated into a new unit called Research & Innovation.
Consultation on the review and related recommendations took place during December and January, with a panel considering submissions. The panel's recommendations informed the development of an Implementation Plan that was released to Canterprise and Research & Consultancy staff on 9th February 2009.
As a result of the integration, which takes effect from 1 March, four new continuing positions will be created and one administration position will be disestablished.
A new Director for the unit is currently being recruited. Over the next few months the recommended changes will take effect incrementally.
The primary changes are:
Research & Consultancy and Canterprise are integrated into a single University services unit called Research & Innovation.
A receptionist position will be established for the unit in the near future to improve external communication channels into the university and internal routes within the university.
Canterprise
All activities will be conducted under the umbrella of Research & Innovation. The company Canterprise Ltd will be retained and will remain the legal owner of IP and equity on behalf of the University. Canterprise will operate as a holding company under the management of the unit Director with two Company Directors, Mr Bill Lee (previously the Canterprise Board Chairman), and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Town.
Commercialisation
IP disclosure management will be continued within the new Research & Innovation unit.
The Change Proposal highlighted the goal of increasing the volumes of ideas being disclosed and commercialised. On the appointment of a Director, R&I, a working party will be convened to develop and implement clear pathways for commercialisation. The working party will comprise of:
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor
- Director, Research & Innovation
- Key Research & Innovation staff
It is envisaged that the University’s involvement in directly commercialising IP will be reduced, and external resources will be utilised. In the interim we are working with staff from Powerhouse to identify possible commercialisation opportunities.
For now all enquiries regarding IP and commercialisation should be directed to staff within our Innovation Team.
R&I Innovation Team contact details
Business Development Manager Roles
Two new Business Development Manager roles will be established.
These new roles will be the initial point of contact for new enquiries from academic staff and external parties. However, they are not the sole point of contact within R&I for academic staff who know where to direct their enquiry; staff should continue to contact the appropriate person responsible.
Academic staff who are currently working with existing staff should continue to progress projects as normal.
While recruitment is undertaken, John Duncan will continue in his role as Business Development Manager and can answer any of your queries
John Duncan's contact details
Research
Research Consultants will continue to be responsible for the portfolio of contestable research fund providers, e.g. Marsden, FRST, TEC as is currently the case. The Research Consultants and the Business Development Managers will work closely together to provide a coordinated and seamless approach to research and development.
R&I Research Consultants contact details
Accommodation
It is recognised that securing one suitable location for Research & Innovation is critical to the success of this change. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor is currently working closely with Facilities Management to secure appropriate accommodation.
View the new unit organisation structure (PDF, 11KB) - 5 March 2009
View a .pdf version of this announcement (PDF, 23KB)
View the new Research & Innovation "People" page