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Connect to Collaborate is an output-focused programme designed to support university academics and research staff from different disciplines in identifying, engaging with, and collaborating effectively with industry partners, via a structured process.
The focus is on building relationships with corporates, SMEs, and other commercial organisations to enable research and development collaborations, joint grant applications, and other opportunities where industry–academic partnerships can thrive.
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"It has made me realise the power of connecting with people and collaborating on a research project. I realise the importance of sharing what you do and what you need with people. I have learnt how to approach partners and commence conversation on research collaboration."
Programme Participant
Sheffield Hallam University
The programme is delivered for a small cohort (maximum 20 participants), through a combination of fortnightly interactive workshops and application activities.
Everything is applied to your situation, so you will be actively working on connecting with potential partners. The programme is designed to create outputs that overcome specific challenges academics and researcher staff face in the context of engaging with industry.
The main challenges we approach are:
A lack of relevant industry contacts
Not sure where to start
Unable to connect-the-dots between business need and research
Struggle to translate academic language into business language
A lack of time to dedicate to engaging with industry
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You will realise a measurable change in your knowledge and confidence in critical areas that correlate to connecting with external partners.
The main challenges we approach are:
Define clear goals and create a time and resource relevant personalised plan for industry engagement
Conduct outreach to potential industry partners by increasing your visibility and credibility
Initiate collaborative conversations that uncover genuine opportunities
Move from dialogue to tangible collaboration steps, positioning discussions as mutual benefit rather than a sales pitch
Showcase progress effectively and set a roadmap for ongoing high-value partnerships
How is the programme structured?
The programme is delivered as a series of workshops, coaching sessions and self study. Participants should expect to spend 1-3 hours per week on the programme including actioning what they have taken from each session.
The workshops provide a supportive environment for discussing challenges, sharing best practice and peer-to-peer learning. This collaborative setting fosters accountability and enables you to take meaningful action throughout the programme.
As part of the programme you’ll also receive access to a digital resource pack which includes session summaries, worksheets and links to further reading and resources.
There are limited spaces on this programme so capacity is being managed via an application form.
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