This week, I was in New Zealand attending the 2024 Knowledge and Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) Annual Conference. I joined a panel of Executive Directors of all the Trailblazer programs to discuss strategies to build capabilities for research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
All the Trailblazer programs operate at the nexus of academic research, industry, and government to support these Government strategies. When I reflect on the progress of each program, it is clear that creating trust with precaution and intentionality is crucial to deliver successful outcomes especially in novel initiatives.
Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and demands particular attention, and intention, during the initial phases of a partnership. For Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular, limited funds, time constraints and intellectual property concerns can deter them from contemplating work with universities.
The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) is delivering several programs to build ‘new’ trust between universities and industry.
- Through our R&D Voucher program, we provide access to matched funding, tailored expertise, equipment, and processes to de-risk R&D investment for SMEs. Our R&D team bridges the gap between our partners and university researchers, providing consistent and transparent communication and support.
- Through our Enterprise Academic Fellows program, we foster new connections between industry and dedicated researchers willing to co-develop commercially focused technologies to solve recycling and clean energy challenges.
- Through our High Degree Research (HDR) industry program, our selected high calibre students are co-supervised by industry partners who have an appetite for knowledge and a willingness to engage in the university research process.
To those we have not worked with yet, I hope our stories of engagement and exciting research will encourage you to get in touch. Our team will be eager to help.
Kind regards,
Professor Emmanuel Mastio.
