Technology Transfer and Knowledge Exchange Training at Newcastle University

Under the auspices of the MONUSEN project, we had the privilege of hosting the Introduction to Technology Transfer and Knowledge Exchange training at Newcastle University. This unique training, conducted at the Henry Daysh Building on 17th and 19th April 2024, was also available via Zoom. It was tailored specifically for researchers, businesses, and industries keen on technology transfer and knowledge exchange, offering a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Professor Igor Radusinović, manager of the MONUSEN project and assistant professor Slavica Tomović, a member of the project team of the University of Montenegro, had the opportunity to discuss with the lecturers at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne the skills needed for the transfer of knowledge between the academic community and industry, the creation of sustainable cooperation, the protection of intellectual property rights, as well as the innovative entrepreneurial culture.

The training held on 17th April 2024 was dedicated to transferring technology, knowledge exchange, Intellectual Property & Licensing and University Startups. Geraint Lewis, who leads a team of business development and commercialisation managers that facilitate research partnerships with businesses and enable the licensing, startup and spin-out of intellectual property and inventions created at Newcastle University, has presented a history of innovation in North East of England, UNEW’s strategy and ways they work with business. He has pointed out the strategy for building long-term strategic relationships with partners for mutual benefit, identification and protection of the University’s Intellectual Property, advancing entrepreneurship and an innovation culture amongst the university’s staff, maximising the research grant success by working with business partners, maximising the university’s income from business contracting: consultancy, research, lifelong learning and professional development. In addition, he has discussed the Newcastle Helix, the National Innovation Centre for Data, and partnerships with business partners to ensure continuing world-class teaching and research.

Luke Judd, Business Development Manager at Newcastle University, described the business development and enterprise activities, which include identifying funding schemes, supporting funding applications, negotiating commercial research and consultancy with external partners, and identifying and protecting Intellectual Property, as well as commercialisation of research outputs through licences and/or spin out formation. He emphasised that good research is no longer sufficient for universities; a clear plan for impact is essential, among other things. He discussed assessing new business opportunities, evaluating new technologies, and determining patentability and market demand. The training also covered patent filings, providing practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the field. 

During training, Rick McCordall, an entrepreneur who founded, grew, and exited several businesses, explained why to create new spin-out companies. He highlighted the opportunity for research to impact the wider world, generate employment and wealth for the region, provide a financial return to the university and founding academics, and provide a career path for founding academics or early-career researchers. He explained pre-spin-out, spin-out and post-spin-out creation. The launch of Northern Accelerator, which builds on areas of research strength and addresses four key areas (people, process, ideas, finance) constraining economic activity within the North East, was also discussed. Rick McCordall presented some examples of spin-outs at Newcastle University.

Overall, the training enhanced the technical skills of Montenegrin MONUSEN’s project team in terms of technology transfer and knowledge exchange and strategically aligning the research objectives with broader economic and community benefits. This approach ensures that the University of Montenegro’s research and administrative teams are well-prepared to contribute to its mission of fostering innovation and impact through solid partnerships with businesses and industries.