< HOME / news

Collaborate to Innovate

November 16, 2021

Carmel Meredew
Proposal Manager

 More often than not, funding bodies request that lead applicants collaborate with other organisations and that they aren’t a sole applicant. Irrespective of whether a collaborative R&D approach is an eligibility criterion, high-quality collaboration, be it with industry and/or academia, adds credibility to a grant application. Even if collaboration isn’t essential (for example a 6-18 month Innovate UK Smart project), it can add value, strengthen your application, and help you to standout from competing applicants.

 

Identifying and selecting the most appropriate partner(s) can be one of the most difficult elements in any collaboration. It’s important to take a step back and ask yourself what you want to gain from the collaboration; it needs to be much more than a box ticking exercise to satisfy a grant requirement. What expertise, complementary skills or specialist equipment/facilities will improve your research project? What qualities will your ideal partner possess? Do you have a common goal?

 

An academic collaboration can be a good starting point. Some SMEs are reticent about approaching higher education and pitching their ideas.  Don’t let this hold you back, universities are keen to collaborate with companies of all sizes and for their staff to work on real world (rather than blue sky) challenges. An academic partner can provide access to state of the art equipment and access to a vast talent pool. However, to keep the balance in favour of industry, academic involvement in Innovate UK projects is normally capped at 30% of the total budget; the bulk of the work should be undertaken by the lead applicant/industrial partners.

 

Staying on the topic of industrial partners, strong consortia often feature other members of the supply/value chain. This can be a great way of confirming market pull (as opposed to technology push), end user buys in or potential routes to market.

 

It’s a given that collaborations can be powerful; however they aren’t something that can be rushed at the 11thhour under the shadow of a looming grant submission deadline. Academic partners need to prepare their own application form (known as a JeS form) for submission to their research council. This will need internal academic approval and signoff; factor this into your timescales.

 

If you opt for industrial partners, be mindful that they will also need to match fund their involvement, so it’s important that they have a vested interest in the project. Project partners need to share the risks and benefits. The project should be aligned to their business plan and as part of the application you’ll need to demonstrate how they will benefit from the project and the exploitation of the technology (for example access to new markets).

 

Whether you’re working with industry, academia, or a combination of the two, a robust collaboration agreement should confirm the ownership and licensing of intellectual property rights of existing know-how, as well as any outputs arising from the project. All partners are required to sign a collaboration agreement as part of the grant acceptance phase; however we recommend that you explore these issues at the outset.

 

In summary, there’s a lot to be gained from collaboration. To find out more about how Inventya can support you with your grant application or other services that may help towards your success contact us here

November 16, 2021
← back to news
Thank you! We will be in touch shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

More of our news

The Human Element: Balancing Technology and Empathy in a Hyperconnected World
In our hyperconnected world, technology has transformed the way we communicate and interact with each other. From smartphones and social media to video calls and virtual reality, we rely on technology to connect with others, access information, and streamline our tasks. While technology and its evolution have undoubtedly brought many benefits, it has also led to concerns about the erosion of the human element in our interactions.
May 18, 2023
Unlocking the Power of International Collaboration: How Working with Partners Abroad Can Benefit Your R&D Activities
It's no secret that we're living in a hyperconnected world, where challenges can feel overwhelming as we huddle behind our screens. However, collaboration is the key that unlocks the door to enduring solutions, and we've witnessed this first-hand during the COVID-era. Global communities united to contain the spread, develop vaccines, and establish effective treatments. This joint effort played a crucial role in restoring a semblance of order amidst the chaos.
May 11, 2023
What to Consider When Choosing Your Grant Writer – the Importance of the Human Touch
Over the past two decades of writing grant applications, I've experienced the transformation of government funding. When InnovateUK was still called the 'Technology Strategy Board,' many businesses were unaware of available grants, and some were hesitant, thinking that such non-repayable funding was too good to be true.
May 3, 2023
Navigating the Ethical Crossroads: Striking the Balance between Grant Compliance and Innovation
In a world where market disruption and system modernisation are the norm, grant-funded projects face the challenge of balancing compliance and innovation. On the one hand, strict regulations ensure ethical conduct and resource allocation, while on the other, innovation is essential for solving complex problems and driving progress.
April 19, 2023
Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Technologies: How R&D Tax Credits Can Pave the Way
Unlock the potential of sustainable technologies and pave the way towards a greener future with R&D Tax Credits. Learn how this government incentive can help your business reduce costs, improve cash flow, and drive innovation for environmental sustainability.
April 3, 2023
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a grant proposal
Key to writing a good grant proposal is to be diligent, focused and persistent. By avoiding common mistakes like lack of clarity, unrealistic budgeting, and failure to meet the funder’s priorities, you can increase your chances of getting grant approvals. Carefully plan your proposal while adhering to the submission guidelines and stay true to your project vision to bring your project to life.
March 14, 2023