Chairman's Corner

Dr Cris Arnold

As the recession continues to bite, I am going to use this issue’s Chairman’s Corner to send out a plea for more cooperation across Wales. This issue was highlighted during the recent event on Powder Processing, where a lively discussion took place on the potential benefits and pitfalls of collaboration. Problems can arise over the release of confidential information and the loss of control of new intellectual property. I believe, however, that this is more of a perceived problem than an actual one which can be adequately dealt with by non-disclosure and collaboration agreements and is more than outweighed by the advantages.


The benefits of collaboration can include:

• the ability to develop new products and processes by undertaking collaborative R&D;
• the solving of problems or initiation of unexpected technology transfer by discussing common issues;
• the development of a research / technology base that is more attractive to customers and inward investors;
• timely access to the facilities and expertise that exist across Wales.

These collaborations tend to be most effective when they include all elements of a supply chain, or companies in related but not competitive areas; the Universities and research organisations can act as hubs and facilitators, and significant support is available via the Welsh Assembly Government’s “Academia for Business” (A4B) and “Financial Support for Business” (FS4B) programmes. Such collaborations can lead to more extensive research and development programmes accessing funding from UK Government and EU sources.

Many successful collaborations have been highlighted in Bulletin articles, and we will continue to bring these to attention in future issues. This year’s prestige event is focusing on the Materials expertise in Welsh Universities, and especially how this can be used to support Welsh Industry. I hope that the event will be used as an important opportunity to engage with others across Wales and initiate more successful collaborations.