Introduction:
This project aims to promote and contribute to Innovation in Nigeria, through enhanced institutional applied research infrastructure, involvement of faculty and students in Nigerian universities, and expanded industry and social/technological partnerships. The Centre for Performance Measurement and Market Research (Nigeria) – Nigeria / Market Research Society of Nigeria (MRSN), intends to replicate the benefits of applied research and development/innovation activities elsewhere, to wit: the Russell Group of twenty-four (24) research-intensive universities of the UK, the Canadian Group of fifteen (G15) research-active universities, the group of fifty (50) United States of America research-intensive universities and similar activities at universities in Singapore, Japan, South Korea in Nigerian Universities.
”We're driving innovation in Nigeria by enhancing research infrastructure, involving university faculty and students, and building industry partnerships.
Henry DiejomaohConsultant
Universities Benefits
- Interactions with industry are clearly thought out with attention paid to the benefits that will accrue to the university, some universities seek industrial partnerships because of the potential financial rewards of patents and licenses that result from the commercialization of academic research. This provides a means by which universities can decrease the governmental fundamental gap.
- Patents generated through industry-sponsored research are sometimes shared between companies and universities. The intent is for the university to use patent revenues to support activities that are not market-oriented, such as the teaching missions of institutions.
- Additionally, faculty benefits through access to cutting-edge scientific equipment not always available in university labs. This equipment enables faculty to pursue additional external funds as well as an increased contribution to faculty productivity (such as additional external funds as well as publications). Both of these elements combine to enhance institutional prestige – an important component used by institutions to attract top students, establish their legitimacy, and acquire public funds.
- Universities also enhance opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students to find future employment through connections between universities and industry.
Industry/Company (Business & SMEs) Benefits:
- University-Industry collaborations can stimulate companies’ internal research and development programmes. University researchers help industrial scientists identify current research that might be useful for the design and development of INNOVATIVE processes and potential products. This first look at cutting-edge research gives companies a competitive edge because it decreases the time it takes to move a potential product from the laboratory to the market, which strengthens international economic competition.
- Universities provide inexpensive lab space in which to conduct industrial research. One area where this is critical is in the area of clinical trials (Covid-19). Medical companies use university partnerships to conduct clinical trials of drugs, devices, and emergent technologies. This is less costly for industry because university hospitals have access to a large number of patients.’
- University-Industry research relationships strengthen companies’ research and development (R&D). Either through the generation of INNOVATIVE products developed from current research or through a redirection of industrial development to more profitable lines R&D is positively affected. University researchers also help industry scientists solve design and technological problems. Often company employees learn new research methodologies with their university partners.
To enjoy these and other direct and expanded benefits, consider becoming an Individual or Corporate Member of the Market Research Society of Nigeria (MRSN). You can use this link.
