Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship holds first workshop in collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Council
The Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship held its first Workshop - Entrepreneurship for Social Scientist Researchers, in collaboration with the ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council : Impact Accelerator Account on 28th February. The workshop, attended by academics and support departments from University of Liverpool discussed the meaning of commercialisation, its relevance, challenges, and benefits for social scientist researchers. Presentations by leaders from the Partnerships and Innovation Team and the Enterprise Team, together with real examples of commercialisation by academics, stimulated a lively and engaging discussion amongst all delegates.
Amongst the key points to emerge was a need for a better understanding of commercialisation within the social sciences, including an appreciation of a broad range of activities, from conventional definitions focused on IP protection, through to wider interpretations such as engagement and capacity building activities with external bodies that lead to impact and the sustainability of research. The challenges as well as the pathways to achieving commercialisation for social scientist also motivated lively discussions.
Professor Blackburn, co-organiser of the event, said ‘This was an extremely stimulating event that brought to the fore the challenges and opportunities associated with the commercialisation of research. We had to consider what this means for social scientists and agreed that it is a concept that spans a range of activities, far broader than just bringing in income. Discussions with academics and professional support service staff generated a productive and thought-provoking environment for future IAA events’
This, the first of two planned workshops, left delegates with ideas for considerations of how to commercialise their research in future. Details of the next workshop will be advertised in the forthcoming month.
About the Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship
The Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship is a connected hub of excellence for people and organisations interested in entrepreneurship research, theory, policy and practice.
The Centre, led by Professor Robert Blackburn, is one of six Research Centres based at the University of Liverpool Management School, with a mission to develop and harness the power of entrepreneurship.
We engage with academics, policymakers, and practitioners both locally and worldwide to ensure that our agendas are compelling, relevant and that the methods we use are cutting-edge and robust. This reflects our passion to understand and foster entrepreneurship and to help develop an entrepreneurial culture across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
Whilst there is an emphasis on entrepreneurship research, the Centre also focuses on two other areas of activities - education and impact. Collectively these three pillars are mutually supporting to provide a solid foundation to help achieve our mission.