UIDP Releases Comparing Internal Structures Guide

UIDP releases new guide about how universities are structured to work with Industry.

Most universities are large, complex organizations that possess a multitude of offices that have some clearly defined responsibilities for industry engagement. For a company with a limited history of university relations, partnering with a university can be confusing and frustrating. Although both types of institutions have a defined organizational structure, it is not always clear at a university which office sets the university’s strategic direction and priorities, who bears ultimate responsibility for a particular transaction, and which other offices need to be involved. Communications among various offices can affect the ability to initiate new activities and, for sponsored research, extend the timeline for negotiations and negatively affect future efforts with a company.

This guide is designed to educate company representatives on how universities are structured, how they operate, and how dealing with a university in the context of establishing a sponsored research contract or interaction may differ from dealing with a commercial subcontractor.

University Structures Copyright & Disclaimer UIDP materials, which include publications, webinars, videos, and presentations, reflect an amalgamation of the experiences and knowledge of those who participate in UIDP activities. The views and opinions expressed in UIDP materials do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any individual organization or the UIDP. At no time should any UIDP materials be used as a replacement for an individual organization’s policy, procedures, or legal counsel. UIDP is not a lobbying organization, and UIDP materials are not intended to be used to influence government decisions. All rights reserved. This member-created publication is intended for use by UIDP MEMBERS ONLY. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of UIDP. To view the written permission granted to member organizations, go to www.uidp.org. Additional written permission may be granted to members, nonmembers, and/or participants in certain UIDP events. Additional permissions can be found in the UIDP materials to which they pertain. For permission requests, write to UIDP at: 1705 Richland Street, Suite G, Columbia, SC, 29201. Copyright © 2022 by University Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP) I Agree

NOTE: This publication is only available to UIDP member representatives, who must be registered and signed in to the Members-only section of our website to access the document

Also published this month

The Corporate RFP Quick Guide to help universities and companies increase the value proposition and outcomes of Corporate RFPs, and the Master Research Agreements Guide, which examines the benefits, drawbacks, and key elements of MRAs and what differentiates them from individual sponsored research agreements. Read more here.

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