Connecting Academic and Industry - Make UK & University of Bristol

Manufacturing is a critical sector in the UK, employing over 2.6 million and contributing 9% of GDP to the UK economy. With the race to net zero, heightened geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological advances, and continuous disruptions to supply chains, remaining competitive is increasingly challenging. Against the backdrop of these challenges, there is a need for stronger collaboration between industry and academia to drive continuous innovation and solve the more complex problems of today and of the future. The benefits from industry-academia collaboration are symbiotic. Through the combination of sector and discipline-specific knowledge and expertise, these partnerships enable industry and academic groups to work together and co-design research programmes which will inform and underpin industry’s response to these challenges.

If you’re struggling to connect HE/FE to Industry, then this event is for you!

Programme

13:00 - An introduction to the University of Bristol Business School - Professor Brian Squire, Dean of the University of Bristol Business School

13:15 - Outline of key industry challenges - Verity Davidge, Director of Policy & Public Affairs, Make UK

13:45 - Research and Facility Showcase – University of Bristol Business School

Project REWIRE. Professor Martin Kuball (School of Physics), Dr Minhao Zhang (UoBBS), Professor Palie Smart (UoBBS)

BREAK: 14:45 - 15:00

15:00 - Panel discussion on the cross-sector perceptions of the challenges and how and what research can inform industry’s response to these challenges

• Professor Brian Squire (Dean, UoBBS)
• Director of Policy & Public Affairs, Verity Davidge (Make UK)
• Professor Jennifer Johns (Research Director, UoBBS)

15:45 - Collaborative Funding Routes and Opportunities - Geraint Jones (Innovate UK), Sam Lambshead (University of Bristol), Dr Phil Walker-Davies (UoBBS)

16:15 - Summing up and next steps, Dr Phil Walker-Davies (UoBBS)

CLOSE: 16:30

Who should attend

This event is designed for business leaders, innovation managers, and academic professionals who are looking to build stronger partnerships between industry and higher education.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Manufacturers exploring collaborative research and innovation
• Academics looking to align their expertise with industry needs
• R&D, policy, and strategy professionals working on cross-sector challenges

How to join

You will need to register your place via Eventbrite.