Network Programme - Section 10

Dissemination and Industrial Relations

10.1 Structures and Actions

Below we set out the structures and activities associated with the industrial liaison and technology transfer role of the Network of Excellence.

Short courses - RENOIR will support the joint development of short course material on requirements engineering. This will be made available to network nodes to provide short industry-based courses to SMEs. These short courses will be prepared on a European basis, through RENOIR, and delivered locally through computing and engineering societies and through local industrial consortia coordinated by network nodes. Industry nodes will be involved in the definition and testing of course material. In this manner RENOIR aims to reach organisations and individuals who would otherwise would not have access to Network expertise. Costs associated with the development and testing of the short courses would be supported by RENOIR. Delivery of the courses would be expected to be self-funding.

Challenge and Opportunity Meetings - It is a common error to assume that "technology transfer" is a one way process - from research laboratories to industry. Much fruitful applied research works from problems observed in practice and attempts to understand and generate solutions to those problems. RENOIR will organise challenge and opportunity meetings in which practitioners will be able to introduce challenges arising from their experience that can act as a spur to research. We anticipate organising at least two such meetings during the period covered by this programme. RENOIR will cover organising expenses and will provide support for attendees from network nodes.

Research Broker Service - RENOIR will, through its Industry & Technology Transfer Committee, operate an enquiry service which will attempt to match enquiries from industry and in particular from SMEs with appropriate expertise. Such enquiries may vary from research updates, training, or particular consulting problems arising from projects. The service will act as a broker and a central repository of expertise which can provide direction and can build partnerships of network nodes.

10.2 Coordination

The responsibility for dissemination and industrial relations is allocated to the Industry & Technology Transfer committee. They act through task groups associated with the actions described above.

The policy of RENOIR is to ensure that the roles of research laboratories and industry are balanced in the definition and support for dissemination and industrial relations. The objective of our industry and technology transfer strategy is to ensure that genuine partnerships based on mutual interests are created and sustained. We will measure our success in dissemination and industrial relations with respect to that objective.

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