research ecosystem : industry perspective parasuram balasubramanian, founder & ceo, theme work...
TRANSCRIPT
Research Ecosystem : industry Perspective
Parasuram Balasubramanian, Founder & CEO, Theme Work Analytics, Bangalore
& Entrepreneur in Residence at Purdue University, USA
Delivered at the IIT Alumni 2008 Global Conference held at the
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras on Dec 20, 2008
Research Ecosystem : industry Perspective
Academia Industry
Government
Funding Agency
Funding Agencies and Government are major stakeholders in the ecosystem.
The research ecosystem consists of many stakeholders with varying objectives
Goal Alignment Systems & Processes
Enablers & Enhancers Role of IITians
Research Ecosystem : industry Perspective
Some fundamental issues arise consistently but experience suggests some solutions
Primary issues
Necessary solutions
Challenge of task
Interaction with industry
Peer recognition
Consulting role in deployment phase
to publish papers; to present in conferencesResource
Support
Opportunity to be creative
Sustained funding for Graduate Students
Market Focused
Governed by value propositions
Project based
Proprietary
The research goals of industry and academia are divergent
Academic Perspective Industry Perspective
Results in IP, indemnity and confidentiality issues.
Further aggravated by funding Agency goals
Scope Definition
Resource Management
Time Management
Multi tasking ; shared resources
Overshadowed by goal accomplishment
Cost Control
Open ended with considerable latitude
Subordinated to goal accomplishment
Tightly Defined
Dedicated resources preferred
Mission critical
Tightly Specified
Academic Perspective Industry Perspective
Project management expertise fills this gap
In addition, systems & processes vary significantly
NDA
NDA : Non disclosure Agreement
MOU : Memorandum of Understanding
MRA : Master Research Agreement
SPA : Specific project Agreement
MOU SPAMRA
A Governance Model can help align goals and drive projects smoothly
The suggested Funding Model can help match objectives of fund sources and research organizations
Basic Research
Applied
Research
(Generic)
Applied Research (Specific)
Grants, Endowments
Grants, Endowments
Industry Associations
An individual Firm
Go To Market Phase succeeds the AR(S) Phase. Either VC or internal funds of a firm
to be used here.
Enablers make it happen & Enhancers add value
Enablers
Enhancers
• Internships
• Industry Advisory Boards
• Student competitions
• Rewards & Recognitions
• OTC
• Industry Mentors
• Industry Advisory Boards
• Interdisciplinary Centres
IITians, and alumni in particular, have an important role to play
Enablers
Enhancers
• Review research work
• Mentor students
• Provide support and resources
• Share expertise
• Facilitate data collection
• Float Proposals
• Validate Research Agenda
• Facilitate Value Constructs
• Guide Go to Market Initiatives