Impact through SME engagement - Profitnet briefing

The University of Brighton ran an inspiring briefing for AURIL members on 12th July in London.

Thirteen members from across the UK attended the session for launch of the ‘Profitnet® Partnership Programme’.

 Profitnet, developed by the University if Brighton, is a unique open innovation learning network for businesses. The Profitnet methodology is a hybrid of cluster theory and experiential learning and is under pinned by robust research and substantial accumulated experience over the last 12 years.

By sharing the licensed use of the Profitnet brand and model, proven good practice and accumulated knowledge with other business-facing universities, the University of Brighton aims to replicate and enhance the considerable success of the programme.  In so doing, a network of like-minded universities will be formed, working to extend their reach to the SME landscape, providing demand-led, flexible opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and open innovation.

The Profitnet team shared the successes and results achieved through the programme. They demonstrated how becoming a partner in a Profitnet® community of practice, can enhance Impact through SME engagement, supporting HEIF strategies and place the university at the heart of the business community through the:

• Enhancement of consultancy opportunities
• Support for research funding bids
• Generation of Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTPs)
• Informing the development of CPD programmes
• Creation of student placements, projects and internship opportunities
• Fostering cross university collaborations and partnerships
• Supporting curriculum development

In his most recent report “A Review of Business – University Collaboration” February 2012, Professor Sir Tim Wilson highlights the importance of structured networking for university and business collaboration and sites Profitnet as a key contributor.

Samia Ounzab, Canterbury Christ Church University said “It was great session and thank you for sharing the model”

Aurora Antemir - Royal Society of Chemistry praised the event “I was very impressed with the rigorous nature of the approach to collaboration between SMEs and universities and the results the Profitnet programme obtained so far”.

For more information on the Profitnet® Partnership Programme contact Judith Badger on j.badger@brighton.ac.uk tel. 01273 641038

Pic One [left to right: Samia Ounzab - Canterbury Christ Church University; Samantha Madden - University of Hull; Alex Prince - Sheffield Hallam; Roz Buchan – University of Brighton; Aurora Antemir - Royal Society of Chemistry; Judith Badger – University of Brighton]