Research Under One Roof: Co-Location in Cross-Sector Partnerships
Oct. 8, 2024—When business talks about breaking down barriers, it’s usually a metaphor for unblocking thought processes or streamlining procedures. But actually sharing space—by co-locating industry personnel on a university campus or innovation district—can supercharge collaboration, distribute costs, and strengthen partnerships.
Approaches to co-location
In co-location, university and industry researchers have labs in one building, which may also house government and nonprofit personnel, while their organizations share some or all costs. The facility provides shared common spaces, such as conference rooms, resource centers, and break rooms. The space can be used for collaborative or independent research, but the intent behind co-location is to foster the exchange of ideas and reduce communication and cultural barriers between project participants that may arise from or be exacerbated by working in separate facilities. Proximity promotes serendipitous interactions that can lead to new ideas and breakthroughs that may not occur if researchers are isolated from each other. Even if they’re working on separate projects, just being close by can encourage these encounters. Read more on serendipity
Co-location can occur directly on university campuses or in dedicated research districts. Tech Square in Atlanta, supported by UIDP member Georgia Tech and UIDP community partners Collaborative Real Estate and TUFF, and the Edge District at UIDP member Kansas State University, are two examples of thriving, successful areas catering to co-location and collaboration. With mixed-use spaces like those in research parks or innovation districts, rapport-building tends to happen organically, and with that, increased collaboration and communication. Leasing space in university research parks for co-location can help strengthen an existing partnership and frame it for continued engagement over several years. It’s a way to expand partnership offerings and move from transactional to more strategic collaboration.
Challenges and benefits
As with most university-industry collaborations, intellectual property (IP) and confidential information are key concerns. Contractual terms should address these concerns. Establishing which projects are and are not collaborative, where shared work takes place, and designating what information should be protected will help prevent confusion and conflict.
Another key challenge for co-location is facility operations and maintenance. This can include equipment purchases and maintenance, site security, and staffing and administration. Addressing these in lease agreements or other contracts will help define the responsibilities of the property tenant or owner, as well as which costs are to be shared between the parties. As with most collaborations, it’s best to evaluate the purpose of the engagement and the scope of any projects occurring in the co-locating space. Identifying potential roadblocks early and addressing them in writing will provide a clear course of action if needed.
Despite the challenges, this type of engagement can bring robust benefits to partners that most find worthwhile. Beyond setting the stage for serendipitous interactions that can spark new ideas, creating a shared culture between the company and the university can strengthen an existing partnership and open the door to new opportunities. Access to specialized equipment and talent can facilitate groundbreaking discoveries as well. With proximity to campus and/or student researchers, industry can strengthen talent pipelines while universities can offer their students the opportunity to network with industry professionals..
Why it matters
Co-locating researchers is about more than logistics; it can deepen collaborations, spark new ideas, and enhance discoveries. The continued rise of innovation ecosystems and research parks and districts is a testament to the benefits of sharing spaces. In the case of co-located research partnerships, breaking down barriers is both a literal and metaphorical means to spur innovation and foster long-term relationships.
We want to hear from you. Does your organization have a space for university and industry researchers to work together? Let us know on LinkedIn.