Bridging the university / industry gap:A personal perspective

Michael J. PontTTE Systems Ltd

MAA - UoL - Transport iNet12 January 2011

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Bridging the university / industry gap Introduction

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Embedded systems

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Embedded systems

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My views on the university / industry gap

I began work on my first embedded system in 1986– Medical device for the “DHSS”

I joined the University of Leicester in 1992– Established the “Embedded Systems Laboratory”– Involved in a large number of industry-linked projects– “TTE Systems Ltd” spin-out process began 2005

the company now has an established customer base in the UK, Europe, US, South-East Asia ...

– TTE Systems supports 3 full-time PhD students and 2 part-time MSc students.

I currently wear two hats: – CEO of TTE Systems Ltd (4 days a week)– Professor of Embedded Systems Engineering

Head of Embedded Systems Laboratory University of Leicester (1 day a week)

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Overview

Why is there a gap between UK universities and industry? Bridging the gap with:

– a spin-out company;– an effective research project;– an ongoing training and recruitment programme;

Conclusions

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Bridging the university / industry gap Why is there a gap?

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The gap between universities and industry

Universities•A “problem deficit”•Research expertise•Training skills•Well-qualified students looking for jobs

Industry•Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”)•Technology and experience•A need for qualified staff•Limited budgets

Universities•A “problem deficit”•Research expertise•Training skills•Well-qualified students looking for jobs

Industry•Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”)•Technology and experience•A need for qualified staff•Limited budgets

A perfect match?

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“It’s the way we do things around here ...”

Universities•A “problem deficit”•Research expertise•Training skills•Well-qualified students looking for jobs

Industry•Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”)•Technology and experience•A need for qualified staff•Limited budgets

In my experience, the gap between universities and industry appears to be much smaller in Germany (than in the UK) Greater emphasis on sandwich courses, “year in industry”, etc Project work by students which meets industry needs

(with advice from university supervisors)

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“Who will own the IP ..?”

In my experience, a key stumbling block in discussions between universities and industry is the issue of IP ownership

Universities•A “problem deficit”•Research expertise•Training skills•Well-qualified students looking for jobs

Industry•Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”)•Technology and experience•A need for qualified staff•Limited budgets

IP issues

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Bridging the university / industry gap The role of spin-out companies

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Spin-out companySpin-out company

What is a spin-out company?

University IP

Long and complicated discussions

about IP issues??

Industry

Easy and cost-effective

access to university

IP

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Bridging the university / industry gap Universities don’t always have all the answers (but they may know how to find them)

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Research projects

Sometimes universities have “off the shelf” solutions to problems faced by industry:

– In my experience, this is less common than is sometimes assumed (by the university ..?)

In my experience, the industrial partner will often have identified and developed a solution:

– “Is this the best solution?” “Will it always work?” etc– Universities often have the skills required to answer such questions– IP ownership should not be an issue– This type of project can offer a range of benefits

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Bridging the university / industry gap Can your local university help with recruitmentand training?

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The traditional university model ...

Undergraduate degree(+ MSc? + PhD?)

Work in industry for 40 years

A lot c

an change in 40 years ...

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A more effective model?

Ongoing university training(e.g. Ugrad with “sandwich” placement,

then MSc (after a few years) ongoing short courses

Work in industry for 40 years

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Example: MSc in Reliable Embedded Systems Full MSc programme

– University of Leicester degree– Delivered by TTE Systems– UK and Malaysia (2009-)

Part-time teaching over 2 years– 3 weeks of courses per year + project work– Experienced engineers

almost all in full-time employment– Many in their 30s, 40s, 50s ...

Many sponsored students– Students recruited by TTE– Based in the company for 2 years– Do MSc and work experience – Cost to sponsor ~£16k + VAT / year

MSc projects– IP is owned by sponsor

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Bridging the university / industry gap Conclusions

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Conclusions

There is a university / industry gap– It is perhaps not as large as it once was,

but it is still significant.

This gap can be bridged if companies:– Use university spin-out companies to

address IP concerns;– Work with universities to assess existing

(company owned) techniques and technology,rather than simply considering “technology transfer” options(useful “side effects” may include PR opportunities);

– Establish long-term relationships with local universities to ensure that staff remain up-to-date throughout their careers (potential benefits of MSc projects should not be underestimated).

Contact details:

M.Pont@tte-systems.com

Tel: 0116 223 1684

www.TTE-Systems.com

Contact details:

M.Pont@tte-systems.com

Tel: 0116 223 1684

www.TTE-Systems.com