Academic Research Engagement Teams (ARET)
Exploring the structure and function of the academic-facing portion of a corporate research organization
Large innovation-driven companies have a strategic interest in partnering with universities to keep a pulse on future research directions, identify novel solutions to existing challenges, and connect to the talent pipeline. Companies that prioritize university partnerships often dedicate a piece of their business operations to identifying and managing academic research collaborations. To accomplish this, a company may form an academic research engagement team (ARET) — a corporate organization specifically chartered to engage with academia on external research collaborations as an element of a broader innovation strategy. When a company begins to recognize external research interactions as a formal part of its innovation strategy, it will often create a research-oriented organization to engage with academia.
This guide provides an overview of different reporting structures, where an ARET may be situated within a company, how an ARET is staffed and funded, and different types of university programs that an ARET may be involved in.
Related UIDP Resources
Avenues for Engagement: Ways that Companies Invest in Universities
UIDP Comparing Internal Structures – A table of roles and responsibilities related to U-I engagement
Collaboration Metrics – Over 100 metrics to consider and guidance on selecting the ones best for your organization
15 Effective Practices for Strong U-I Partnerships
Students & Contracting Issues – A table of types of students and the university policies that impact their engagement with companies