Blending Research with Industry: Reflections from the Field

With increasing pressures for 'high impact' research outputs and the attainment of external funding, Universities are increasingly engaging in match-funded doctoral research programs. Seen as effective approaches for blending academia with industry, and engaging in knowledge transfer, associated issues around access and barriers to researching in this type of collaborative partnership are scarcely discussed (Okumus et al, 2007). This paper attempts to explore the challenges faced by doctoral students involved in such research programs, and asks whether or not rigorous research outcomes can in fact be achieved from a truly autonomous position. Current discussions around access are provided by experienced academics where obstacles are seen as merely tactical issues (Gummesson 2000). This paper aims to discuss such issues as access, negotiating with powerful gatekeepers, overcoming suspicion, as well as the potential barriers associated with full disclosure. In doing so, it is hoped that discussion around ways to improve these types of relationships and their research outcomes, as well as the effectiveness of engaging with industry in these types of programs will be achieved.