Kingston University London

16/07/09

The cost of enterprise - new survey reveals how UK universities are incentivising the enterprise agenda

Today, Unico – the UK’s leading knowledge transfer association – publishes a new Salary and Incentives Survey.  Led by Kingston University, this survey, the first of its kind in the UK, provides an insight into the way British Higher Education Institutions are rewarding their knowledge transfer professionals. The survey also shows that technology/knowledge transfer is now seen as a part of the institutional strategy and that there has been continuing investment in this area to support its growth. 

Despite acknowledgement by Government of the importance of rewarding and incentivising success to ‘release entrepreneurial potential and encourage the development of innovative products from the UK’s science' ^1,2, there has previously been a lack of information on salaries paid, reward and incentive strategies, and the benefits of such schemes in UK universities. This new Unico Salary and Incentives Survey sheds light on incentives and rewards in knowledge transfer. 

Whilst nearly one third of universities have incentive schemes for technology transfer staff, other universities cite concerns over conflicts of interest or institutional policies which do not allow such schemes.  Of those that do have incentive schemes, the funding source appears to come from The Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and licence and royalty-based income, not core funding.

The survey also finds that the role of Director of the technology transfer office is dominated by men (80%).  Women are more prominent in IP/contracts, marketing, or administration roles.  Plus, there is evidence that a ‘blended professional’ with a mixed portfolio of academic and non-academic work is emerging.

The finding that ‘enterprise-related activities’ are used as a selection criteria for career progression is causing some friction as concerns were raised about how selection and promotional panels interpret this. Deborah Lock, Executive Director of Enterprise at Kingston University and survey project lead said: “Universities need to move forward and build on their knowledge and transfer activities. Fundamental to the success of this is the recruitment and retention of skilled staff with the expertise to be effective knowledge conduits between university and business. I believe that this survey will assist us all with some clarity and information to support the management of this complex activity with its significant economic impact.”

Professor David Secher, Unico Chairman added: “This Unico survey shows that there is a need to identify and share best practice in this area. Many universities are supporting the emerging profession of knowledge transfer with incentive schemes. The survey also reveals that better defined career paths are needed for staff involved in enterprise activity. Ensuring that the expertise of knowledge transfer and technology transfer professionals is maintained, through access to high-quality training and continuing professional development, should be a high priority.”

-ENDS-

Additional Information

• For further information, please contact:
  • Anita Gupta in the Kingston University Press Office on 020 8417 3036 or email press@kingston.ac.uk; or
  • Lee Willmott at Unico on 01223 422085 or email lee.willmott@unico.org.uk

References

1. "Creating knowledge creating wealth”: Realizing the economic potential of public sector research establishments. A report by John Baker to the Minister for Science and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury,1991.
2. Partnerships UK on behalf of HM Treasury [2004] HM Treasury Guidance: The Provision of Incentive Schemes.

Obtaining the survey
The survey is available to journalists, confidentially, for reporting purposes. Other interested parties, may still obtain the survey but a £50 (plus VAT) fee will apply. Survey participants receive the survey free of charge. The survey is available in an electronic format.

Kingston University
With more than 22,000 students, Kingston University is the largest provider of higher education in South West London, offering an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes both in the United Kingdom and overseas. The University is renowned for teaching excellence, has established itself as a growing force in research and is widely respected as a pioneer in e-learning. In its most recent University guide, The Sunday Times praised Kingston’s vocational courses for “standing students in good stead when it comes to getting jobs”. The guide also confirmed that no fewer than 15 of the University’s subjects had been rated as excellent for teaching in official assessments.

About Unico
Unico is the UK's leading representative body of professionals realising the potential of university and public sector research through commercialisation.
Unico members maximise the impact of UK research to benefit society and strengthen the economy by identifying markets for research discoveries; protecting intellectual property; licensing new research; creating quality 'spinout' companies; and providing businesses with the world-class expertise and facilities to solve growth-inhibiting challenges.