Sri Lanka Summit

Durham University Enterprise & Engagement Case StudiesPresented by John Hirst5th March, 2010

∂

The Durham-Sabaragamuwa PartnershipPMI2 Connect Partnership Agreement with Sabaragamuwa UniversityTo actively promote entrepreneurship education in Sri LankaObjective: To develop Post-graduate Certificate/Diploma and CPD programmes in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, drawing on combined expertise of Sabaragamuwa and Durham Universities, as per Strategy Objective 3: To Enhance Industry Connectivity & Community ParticipationBenefits to Sabaragamua University:Access to 40-years of experience in practical business support, training and education, creating an opportunity to offer courses particularly relevant to private sector employment needs for practical entrepreneurial skills & competencies, e.g. generating and validating ideas; developing a business plan; industry case-studies; analysing practical business issues; increasing the capacity of staff to teach entrepreneurship; engaging and training mentors with real-life business experience and expertise. Benefits to Durham University: Internationalisation, in combination with a wide range of other initiatives associated with the Durham-Sri Lanka link.

∂

Case Study 1: Social EnterpriseFormation of Women Into the NetworkFounded in 1999; launched as a social enterprise business in 2009Objective: to support, connect and promote women in businessSuccesses: UK Best Practice Model for Supporting Women’s EntrepreneurshipMembers: 24000 (national) 4000 (region) 2500 jobs created in first 7 yearsHosted the Annual NE Women Entrepreneur Awards for the last 10 yearsServices: on-line help; platform for sharing information and experiences; training programmes; monthly events; monthly e-zine.Benefits to WIN members: stimulating ideas, sense of belonging and connectedness – virtual and real; mutual support; advice and guidance.Benefits to Durham University: members act as role models and mentors on student programmes; builds on Durham’s reputation for supporting women graduates (it was the second University in the UK to admit women to degrees).

∂

Case Study 2: Joint VentureJoint Venture with AveciaLeader in process development & manufacture of microbial derived biologicsObjective: to scale up Durham University laboratory process for derivation of stem cells to industrial scale manufacture.Successes: collaboration led directly to University spin-out company; two patents filed and three more pending; believed to be one of the first successful attempts at “manufacture” of stem cells on an industrial scale.Benefits to Avecia: gained expertise to move into this new application area, skills transfer – key PDRA now works for Avecia; close relationship with University spin-out.Benefits to Durham University: reputation for expertise in application of stem cell research to unmet needs for skin regeneration as research tools, cosmetics and wound care; beneficial relationship with industrial partner; an exemplar for learning disseminated to both academics and students through joint technical training and input to undergraduate seminars on biotech manufacture.

∂

Case Study 3: Commercial Partnership

Partnership Agreement with Alcatel LucentMarket leader in voice, data and video communication services.Objective: mutual benefits of academic-commercial partnership Successes: too early to sayBenefits to Alcatel Lucent:Preferential rates for executive education programmes; access to cutting-edge research; CPD opportunities, including coaching and speaking, for executives; recognition through association with leading UK University; access to University business library; access to top talent for consultancy and recruitment; networking opportunities through the Corporate Forum.Benefits to Durham University: Provision of: marketing/re-branding expertise; input to boardroom simulations; student prizes; guest lectures; consultancy projects for MBA students, student recruitment opportunities; take-up of executive education; participation in the Corporate Forum and Advisory Boards.