Written evidence submitted by the University
of the Arts London (TIC 36)
1. What is the Fraunhofer model and would it be
applicable to the UK?
My understanding of the Fraunhofer model is of highly
specialised centres of excellence with strong industry links where
applied research is co-ordinated with the intention of dealing
with industry related opportunities. These projects have a high
level of commercial value. The success of this model is demonstrated
in Germany's robust industrial environment and the state-of-the-art
facilities that exist in the Fraunhofer institutions. The rich
cultural heritage of design driven, highly-valued, engineered
products makes this model currently more difficult to emulate
in the UK.
2. Are there existing Fraunhofer-type research
centres within the UK, and if so, are they effective?
Yes, in my experience C4D, a collaboration between
Cranfield University and LCC University of the Arts is an example
of Fraunhofer-type research. C4D is an example of multidisciplinary
collaboration working with industry, engineering, science and
technology and the social science community. The limitations of
C4D is its relatively newness: C4D has only been operating for
two years but in that time it has achieved notable progress in
areas of healthcare, public sector services, visualisation of
complex data, and environmental issues.
The Fraunhofer model has, on the surface a greater
singularity in its area of focus but this comes from a rich cultural
basis predominantly of design, and engineering, which is intrinsic
to all aspects of the German economic model. Design in the UK
is frequently treated as an 'add-on' which is not integral to
all organisational processes and systems; technology alone is
limited in its ability to generate commercial outcomes. In the
UK, design is frequently placed within the Arts and Humanities
and not viewed within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
and Medicine) subjects as a natural translator of technology and
also essential, as a bridge builder throughout the supply chain.
In C4D a more overt treatment of bringing industry, design, engineering
and management has been achieved making it an unusually multi-disciplinary
collaboration.
3. What other models are there for research centres
oriented toward applications and results?
At the moment in addition to C4D other multi-disciplinary
collaborations such as those occurring at Northumbria University
and Nottingham provide examples of applied design and technology,
collaborating with industry to influence and deliver commercial
outcomes. Elsewhere in Europe examples include Delft University
in the Netherlands and in Finland Helsinki Aalto University.
4. Whose role should it be to coordinate research
in a UK-wide network of innovation centres?
Co-ordination of research within the UK is best undertaken
by an independent body that understands the value of the different
elements and contributions to successful innovation in services
and products in the commercial and public sector. I believe that
the role of industry is to initiate particular requirements and
participate in an equitable relationship with academia and government
to allow free exploration within a commercial context.
5. What effect would the introduction of Fraunhofer-type
institutes have on the work of Public Sector Research Establishments
and other existing research centres that undertake Government
sponsored research?
There are already a number of institutions that provide
substantial research contributions to industry and the public
sector. It is important that new models of working build on these
rather than re-invent or compete with existing establishments.
Furthermore, it is important to recognise that the cultural context
within the UK although in itself is inherently creative, is different
from the more structured German system where the in-house design
and engineering team are part of the normal landscape within business.
DECLARATION OF
INTEREST
I am Deputy Director of C4D a Cox-funded multidisciplinary
collaboration between Cranfield University and the University
of the Arts London. I have worked with scientists, engineers and
social scientists as a design facilitator with technological developments
at Cranfield and also within the public sector; I explore the
opportunities of translating technology into commercial products,
services and systems. I am interested to know how these discussions
will unfold as there is huge opportunity to build and evolve current
models and initiate new relationships.
Dr Alison Prendiville
Deputy Director of C4D
University of the Arts London
1 December 2010
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