Research and Development Collaborations training

This September’s raft of ASTP-Proton training courses are lining up to make a real impact on the professional development and network community of the participants. With over 50 places already filled, and the Fundamentals of Technology Transfer almost sold out, we talked to the directors of the Research Development Collaborations (RDC) course, Martin Raditsch and Tom Flanagan.

As CEO of Innovectis GmbH, Germany and Centre Director, DIT Hothouse, Ireland, Martin and Tom respectively have decades of experience negotiating and collaborating between universities and industry.

Martin, an expert trainer from ASTP-Proton’s Professional Development Committee outlined it for us: “We know that TTO staff on all levels can benefit from this course, whether a newcomer or experienced, everyone can learn from the case study examples we use; we look at both successes and failures. In fact, the course is also open to the industrial negotiators, so real dialogues can emerge.”

He continued: “There is a significant amount of group work and discussions during the course and people are encouraged to discuss their own work, the problems they have faced, or are in the middle of working out. The more challenges presented in the training courses the greater the learning outcomes. We want people to come with their problems and leave with solutions. This is peer learning in action and we have great feedback on this practical, hands-on method of learning.”

“The inspiration for the course was to focus on real issues that arise in all TTOs, in companies and in industry. We demonstrate best practices and share benchmarks with participants, who can then gauge the level of their own professionalism.”

Tom Flanagan added: “Research agreements are the most frequently developed relationships between universities and industry so people need to feel confident that they are getting them right. It is about building future relationships that extend beyond one deal. If you can create a great relationship the first time round, it becomes sustainable and mutually beneficial. This is what we want to train people to accomplish. We want everyone to leave being able to increase the number of quality engagements.”

“As well as teaching people how to get it right, we also alert people to the pitfalls, for example: be clear from the start about non-negotiables, don’t assume anything, work with clarity and set realistic expectations.”

The Research and Development Collaborations training course is part of a set of courses taking place 20-22 September in The Hague, the Netherlands. Scheduled alongside the Fundamentals of Technology Transfer, and Organising your KTO for Growth and Success, this is great opportunity to meet with over 100 technology transfer professionals. We have designed the courses to allow you to make the most of the networking opportunities with your peers and to connect with some of Europe’s top tech transfer experts.

The final word today goes to Tom: “You don’t have to make all the mistakes yourself. At ASTP-Proton courses you get access to a whole network of professionals you can call on.”