‘Building a Stronger Innovation Culture: The Benefits for Universities, Business and the Economy in Engaging in Innovation and Enterprise’

Cardiff School of Engineering, in association with The Learned Society of Wales, presents a Distinguished Lecture by Professor Sir Christopher Snowden (Vice-Chancellor, University of Surrey).

The lecture is open to all and will start at 2pm in the Main Lecture Theatre (S/1.32), Queen’s Buildings, Cardiff School of Engineering, on 15th May 2012.

 

Abstract

There has been a great deal of emphasis placed on innovation and its role in re-energising the UK economy. Universities continue to be a source of innovation, spin-outs and licences, but they also play an important role in technology transfer which can underpin broader benefits to industry, business, the universities themselves and the academics that create the ideas. The last 25 years have seen dramatic changes in the engagement of universities with business and industry.
 
This presentation will examine the growing interest in stimulating greater engagement between industry and academia and will cite several examples. It will also look at the potential barriers to success and how these can be addressed, building off new funding and investment opportunities. The role of cultural issues in both universities and industry will be discussed and contrasted with experiences in other economies. Several examples of recent successes in achieving strong engagement and continued benefits for university-business interaction will be given.

Biography

Professor Sir Christopher Snowden is Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Surrey in the UK. He is a member of the Prime Minister’s advisory Council for Science and Technology.  Sir Christopher is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a member of its Council. He is a Fellow and Vice-President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, chairing the Engineering Policy Committee, and was President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) from 2009-10. He is Vice-President of Universities UK and a member of the UK’s Council of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a member of the governing body of UK’s Technology Strategy Board.

 

For a flier for the event please see here.