Providing specialist resources and services to external stakeholders
Due to the nature of much of the research being carried out, universities have access to highly specialised equipment, infrastructure and other resources. Access to state of the art equipment and infrastructure is crucial to the progress of research. One of the significant engagement strategies highlighted in the high rated engagement narratives was universities allowing external stakeholders access to these specialised resources. Key highlights included:
- A number of universities indicated that they provided university-based service facilities to a variety external stakeholders. This included laboratory and field testing, bespoke solutions and cutting edge research transfer.
- Many of these service facilities had strong reputations for producing high-quality, reliable results.
- The facilities were run by dedicated staff with a high level of experience and expertise in their field.
- Gaining access to this state of the art equipment often provided industry with a market advantage.
- These services supported the work of a diverse range of stakeholders including:
- Australian Defence Force
- state and federal police forces
- state and federal governments
- private organisations
- specialist testing and standards organisations
- environmental agencies.
- Significant investment was made by both universities and related industries to ensure these services remained current and at the forefront of technology.
- Specialist resources and services also included specialist people providing expert advice and guidance across a range of disciplines.
The benefits from this engagement strategy were not just realised by the industries or stakeholders utilising the services. Universities and researchers also benefitted through improvements in research outcomes and gaining experience working on current area-related problems. This in turn helped improve the employability of graduates in that sector.