Bridging the university / industry gap: A personal perspective

1. Bridging the university / industry gap:A personal perspective Michael J. Pont TTE Systems Ltd MAA - UoL - Transport iNet 12 January 2011

2. Bridging the university / industry gap Introduction

3. Embedded systems

4. Embedded systems

5. My views on the university / industry gap • I began work on my first embedded system in 1986 • Medical device for the “DHSS” • I joined the University of Leicester in 1992 • Established the “Embedded Systems Laboratory” • Involved in a large number of industry-linked projects • “TTE Systems Ltd” spin-out process began 2005the company now has an established customer base in the UK, Europe, US, South-East Asia ... • TTE Systems supports 3 full-time PhD students and 2 part-time MSc students. • I currently wear two hats: • CEO of TTE Systems Ltd (4 days a week) • Professor of Embedded Systems EngineeringHead of Embedded Systems Laboratory University of Leicester (1 day a week)

6. Overview • Why is there a gap between UK universities and industry? • Bridging the gap with: • a spin-out company; • an effective research project; • an ongoing training and recruitment programme; • Conclusions

7. Bridging the university / industry gap Why is there a gap?

8. The gap between universities and industry • A perfect match? • Industry • Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”) • Technology and experience • A need for qualified staff • Limited budgets • Industry • Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”) • Technology and experience • A need for qualified staff • Limited budgets • Universities • A “problem deficit” • Research expertise • Training skills • Well-qualified students looking for jobs • Universities • A “problem deficit” • Research expertise • Training skills • Well-qualified students looking for jobs

9. “It’s the way we do things around here ...” • In my experience, the gap between universities and industry appears to be much smaller in Germany (than in the UK) • Greater emphasis on sandwich courses, “year in industry”, etc • Project work by students which meets industry needs(with advice from university supervisors) • Industry • Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”) • Technology and experience • A need for qualified staff • Limited budgets • Universities • A “problem deficit” • Research expertise • Training skills • Well-qualified students looking for jobs

10. “Who will own the IP ..?” • In my experience, a key stumbling block in discussions between universities and industry is the issue of IP ownership • Industry • Problems to solve (a “solutions deficit”) • Technology and experience • A need for qualified staff • Limited budgets • Universities • A “problem deficit” • Research expertise • Training skills • Well-qualified students looking for jobs IP issues

11. Bridging the university / industry gap The role of spin-out companies

12. What is a spin-out company? Spin-out company University IP Easy and cost-effective access to university IP Long and complicated discussions about IP issues?? Industry

13. Bridging the university / industry gap Universities don’t always have all the answers (but they may know how to find them)

14. Research projects • Sometimes universities have “off the shelf” solutions to problems faced by industry: • In my experience, this is less common than is sometimes assumed (by the university ..?) • In my experience, the industrial partner will often have identified and developed a solution: • “Is this the best solution?” “Will it always work?” etc • Universities often have the skills required to answer such questions • IP ownership should not be an issue • This type of project can offer a range of benefits

15. Bridging the university / industry gap Can your local university help with recruitmentand training?

16. The traditional university model ... Undergraduate degree (+ MSc? + PhD?) Work in industry for 40 years A lot can change in 40 years ...

17. A more effective model? Ongoing university training(e.g. Ugrad with “sandwich” placement, then MSc (after a few years) ongoing short courses Work in industry for 40 years

18. Example: MSc in Reliable Embedded Systems • Full MSc programme • University of Leicester degree • Delivered by TTE Systems • UK and Malaysia (2009-) • Part-time teaching over 2 years • 3 weeks of courses per year + project work • Experienced engineersalmost all in full-time employment • Many in their 30s, 40s, 50s ... • Many sponsored students • Students recruited by TTE • Based in the company for 2 years • Do MSc and work experience • Cost to sponsor ~£16k + VAT / year • MSc projects • IP is owned by sponsor

19. Bridging the university / industry gap Conclusions

20. Conclusions • There is a university / industry gap • It is perhaps not as large as it once was, but it is still significant. • This gap can be bridged if companies: • Use university spin-out companies to address IP concerns; • Work with universities to assess existing (company owned) techniques and technology,rather than simply considering “technology transfer” options(useful “side effects” may include PR opportunities); • Establish long-term relationships with local universities to ensure that staff remain up-to-date throughout their careers (potential benefits of MSc projects should not be underestimated). Contact details: M.Pont@tte-systems.com Tel: 0116 223 1684 www.TTE-Systems.com