X-CITED Industry Connection Programme: ‘Focus Fortnight’ – The practical side of industry collaborations

5th session of our Industry Connection Programme’s ‘Focus Fortnight’

This session aims to provide Research Technical Professional (RTP) participants with an authentic industry perspective on how industry projects progress and how that might fit in to collaborations with higher education staff. We hope to demystify how industry organisations approach projects, as well as touching on how partnerships and engagement with academia might fit into those project timelines, highlighting both opportunities and practical considerations.

By the end of the session, participants should:

• Understand how industry defines and evaluates a “successful project”
• Gain insight into industry timelines, drivers, and constraints
• Recognise key differences between academic and industry approaches
• Feel more confident about initiating conversations with industry partners
• Be aware of what industry values in early engagement and collaboration

No prior experience is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore new opportunities for collaboration.