In its response to the ARC Impact Assessment Consultation Paper, ABDC emphasises a better understanding of the barriers – both from an academic and industry perspective – to effectively drive research collaboration.

The Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) welcomes further examination into how universities translate their research into economic, social and other benefits and ways to encourage greater collaboration between universities, industry and other end-users of research. Australia’s business schools however are calling on the Australian Research Council to analyse the barriers to university and industry research collaboration before proposing a new, potentially expensive, national form of assessment.

In its response to the Australian Research Council Engagement and Impact Assessment Consultation Paper, ABDC says: ‘An analysis of barriers to engagement is crucial to inform effective ways to change behavior, both from an academic and industry perspective, and may, in fact, highlight the need to take away existing obstacles rather than impose new structures’.

The recent Watt Review of Research Policy and Funding Arrangements acknowledges the potential benefits of new income sources and research opportunities that flow from closer engagement. However, the ABDC recommends that to put forward the most effective solution, we must first understand the main causes of the problem.

In its submission, ABDC is calling for:

• A comprehensive analysis of the barriers to greater engagement and impact with end users
• A clear definition of what will be measured in future assessments
• Recognition of the important role of knowledge dissemination
• Support of different approaches in different disciplines.

See full ABDC submission here.