Effective industry and research collaboration: Cultivating the right culture

The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) has brought with it a range of new technologies that have enabled manufacturers to disrupt and transform traditional manufacturing.

But it is not just about technology. To compete in today’s global economy, manufacturers must establish new ways of working – with collaboration central to success – to improve productivity, stimulate innovation, and adapt to changing business environments.

At IMCRC, we facilitate collaborative R&D projects between manufacturing companies and research organisations across several primary industry sectors, ranging from mining to the arts.

While the individuals working on these projects invariably have different skill sets, cultures, and goals, the most successful collaborations have all been built on a foundation of trust, respect, aligned goals, effective working relationships, and a focus on outcomes.

In the first of a three-part series on cultivating successful industry and research partnerships, we look at four ways to establish and maintain the right culture for collaboration.