University research centers

Competency Group: Business

Type: Prototyping/Benchmarking

Description: Most universities have associated research centers with their various internal schools and colleges. Many research centers are started by lecturers working in conjunction with graduate students in order to further explore a combined interest in often complicated fields of study. Most university research centers attempt to explore research questions that have a commonality. For new product developers it can be very advantageous to be associated with a university research center as it improves the skill base for the new product development team and will assist in finding new ideas and scientists. There are also extra funding opportunities available when there is a partnership between companies and university research centers.

Citation for Description: Described by authors

Advantages: Collaboration can lead to an increase in skills within the new product development team, which increases possibilities for investment and funding.

Limitations: There can be intellectual property issues and a long lead time in formalizing an agreement with a university research center.

Target Audience: Top management, R&D

Relevant to Universal Design: No

Stages and Steps: 4.6, 4.9

Free Resource: Stanford University. (n.d.). Stanford research. Retrieved from http://www.stanford.edu/research