We are pleased to announce the first recipient of our 2014 Research Grants, which funds study into improving and advancing professional standards in Australia.
Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) has been offered a $98,000 grant for their project Building a skills framework for better technology transfer in the Australian context. KCA is the peak body for organisations and individuals associated with knowledge commercialisation and exchange between public sector research organisations and business and government entities.
The project aims to provide a clear understanding of what it really takes to get new ideas generated by Australian publicly funded research organisations into society and the marketplace.
“There is an increasing expectation from government entities within Australia for publicly funded research organisations to improve on the conversion of research into commercial outcomes,” KCA Executive Officer Melissa Geue said.
“This study will enable us to look strategically at what it means to be a commercialisation professional at a research organisation in Australia, and how we might look to improve how we go about our practice.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the Professional Standards Research Grant."
KCA applied for the research grant in late November 2014 and will be working with technology commercialisation consultancy gemaker, an associate member of KCA.
“We are excited to be leading the first project of its kind that will open the door for the research and commercialisation sector to connect and self reflect, and we hope this study offers a baseline for our association, KCA, to build on for years to come,” said Natalie Chapman, gemaker's Managing Director.
"Knowledge exchange and commercialisation is an important area of innovation for Australia, and building standards and professionalisation options for the industry is an opportunity to cement Australia's leadership," said Dr Deen Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Standards Councils.
"We are pleased to support the research and commercialisation sector in taking a serious and strategic approach to building a profession in this area."