Read our frequently asked questions below and contact Our Team if you have outstanding queries or need advice on a specific project or idea.
What is Knowledge Exchange?
What is Knowledge Exchange?
- Knowledge Exchange or KE is a broad term used to describe a range of activities in which University staff, businesses and employers, and local communities, share ideas, data, experience and expertise in a way which is mutually beneficial to all involved.
- KE is seen to be a key ingredient in delivering economic and societal impact (for example UKRI). The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) is currently being developed as a way to monitor and improve practice in KE in English universities.
- Within Oxford Brookes the main KE activities offered to business and employers are set out on our external-facing website pages and include consultancy and contract research, CPD and skills development, the commercialisation of research and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). We also offer enterprise support for staff (and students) looking to set up and run a business.
- The Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy sets out the overall strategic approach for KE within Brookes.
How is KE delivered across the University?
- There are a number of centres within the University which have KE as their focus: for example Commercial Services within the Business School, the Institute of Public Care within HSS, Health CPD within HLS, and the Centre for Educational Consultancy and Development within HSS.
- In addition, there are groups which combine research and knowledge exchange: for example the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies.
- Many individual staff develop KE activities to complement and build on their individual research interests and to strengthen research impact. It can also enrich and strengthen teaching, and offer students exposure to real world applications of their studies.
What types of KE projects could I be involved in?
- There are a wide range of types of KE project. These can vary in size, value and length of time, as well as in the type of activity involved.
- Projects can be delivered for clients from the public or private sector, national or international organisations, SME or larger organisations.
- Consultancy can include a wide range of specialist advice, analysis and guidance which draws on the expertise, knowledge and skills of University staff. For example, evaluation and analysis, expert witness services, service reviews, and laboratory-based testing.
- CPD and training can include workshops, short courses or other training activities that can be bespoke for a particular client, or are a generic offer to the client.
- Contract Research where an external client contracts with the University to carry out a piece of research to meet the client’s requirements.
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) bring an ambitious graduate, supported by university specialists, into a company to lead a project to promote innovation and wealth creation
- Oxford Brookes has a unique portfolio of licensing opportunities in a range of technological areas which are licensed to commercial organisations on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis
- Members of staff may wish to set up their own businesses, including start ups that ‘spinout’ from the University to become a stand-alone enterprise.
- Some staff may wish to carry out private consultancy in their own time rather than through the University. There is an approval process for this as set out in the Consultancy, CPD & Training Policy.
Why should I be interested in KE?
- KE is an important mechanism for developing impact for your research.
- Involvement in KE can inform your research, test your ideas and provide opportunities for further research.
- Working with employers, business and local communities can enrich your teaching offer.
- You may choose to follow a KE career pathway drawing on your KE experience.
Where can I find help and support for my KE projects?
- Please contact Our Team for advice and support at any stage of your KE project.
- Your faculty may have a KE lead or KE centre which can also provide advice and support, or more practical help.
- Advice on specific issues such as legal contracts, procurement and data protection is available from relevant departments (See Support and resources)
- Read our Oxford Brookes Case studies or Creating successful KE projects for further ideas and information.