Abstract

When a university makes a major investment in, or other significant change to, an academic department’s staffing capabilities this brings challenges and opportunities for the institution, including Knowledge Exchange (KE) and research management professionals. Such departments are often required to diversify or significantly increase research income to ensure long-term sustainability. Our presentation will focus on how KE professionals can support the delivery of this change, whilst simultaneously supporting the development of an inclusive environment for researchers from around the world and at all career stages. This Good Practice presentation outlines the challenge and proposed solution, as well insights from wider initiatives and research. In 23-24 the University of Exeter made a number of targeted investments in staffing capabilities to deliver transformational programmes. Exeter Innovation, the business engagement and innovation service, has worked in partnership with academic leadership to develop a fresh knowledge valorisation strategy that will deliver income in line with staff growth. Department senior leaders were keen to strategically target resources across a diversity of income sources, reflecting a foundation of existing strengths as well as demonstrable external market demand. Rapid growth and/or change can create specific challenges: new researchers with variable capabilities for KE and business development; and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration to meet major institutional priorities and external market opportunities (for example, driven by UK government priorities for investment). By the end of 24-25 the objectives of this new enhanced approach are to develop a diversified income portfolio, improved KE culture and greater staff confidence in working with external partners. We will present lessons learned from the development and launch of this nascent programme, as well relevant insights from Sealey Associates Ltd UK and its cross-UK portfolio of KE activities and published evaluations. Session content will be transferable to KE professionals working across universities in varied geographical and institutional contexts. This will include: approach to preparation including mapping and data analysis of current performance; recommendations for improving KE culture; suggested tailoring learning programmes to a diverse cohort; building internal disciplinary collaborations reflecting priority areas; resource implications.