28 September 2009
Rise in Scottish Business Demand for academic expertiseI (press release)

- Links between business and academia vital for economy - 570 firms ask for academic help over last 12 months - 26 per cent of firms report growth in profits New figures reveal that over the last year there has been a significant rise in the number of businesses turning to Scotland’s academia in order to boost performance. Figures published today will reveal a 22 per cent rise in the number of inquiries from firms seeking help from Interface – The Knowledge Connection for Business - the organisation set up to help companies access expertise from universities and research institutions. Interface received over 570 enquiries for assistance between August 2008 and July this year. Collaborations between businesses and researchers are up, with 80 projects launched in the past year, a rise of 36 per cent on the previous academic year. The Interface Advisory Board will meet today with Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, to discuss how to build on this success. The Minister comments: “Encouraging innovation is crucial for Scotland – both to help us weather the current recession and to stimulate strong sustainable growth once the recovery kicks in. “By facilitating and nurturing the links between companies and academia Interface plays a crucial role. The organisation is helping to ensure that two of Scotland’s greatest strengths - the skills and dynamism of our SME business community and the cutting edge work underway in our universities and research institutes - are working together for the good of the whole economy. These excellent results back that up and provide real encouragement for the future.” Professor Dominic Houlihan, chairman of Interface and vice-principal of University of Aberdeen, said: “By working closely with Scotland’s entire research base, Interface has links to thousands of world leading experts who can assist companies from Scotland and internationally in developing solutions to their individual business requirements and key R&D challenges. "As a direct result of Interface partnerships, Scottish universities and research institutes are playing a vital role in helping the economy though the current economic downturn." A recent survey of 149 business helped by Interface showed that 26 per cent reported a growth in profits following their interactions with universities and research institutes, while 21 per cent posted a rise in sales, with 22 per cent receiving further investment. Some 15 per cent of firms said they had created further jobs following their projects, while 50 percent claimed that working with Interface gave them a competitive advantage and 36 per cent of firms reported expansion as a direct result of the partnership. Set up in 2005, Interface is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government under the SEEKIT programme to support the participation of the Research Institutes.