Building Successful Industry Partnerships�

• Proactive Strategies for Academic Researchers

Jason Stockman – Corporate Research Partnerships Manager

Opportunities Won’t Always Find You

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• Industry partnerships often require a hands-on approach

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• Don’t wait—actively seek out potential partners

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Identify and Connect with Aligned Companies

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• Research companies’ goals, projects, and challenges

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• Position your expertise as a solution to their needs

Why Being Proactive Matters: The Value of Taking Initiative

Showcase Your Unique Value

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• Use email, networking events, or university resources

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• Highlight how your research can drive innovation

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• Identify and connect with aligned companies

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Build Meaningful Relationships

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• Proactive steps increase your chances of forming lasting partnerships

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• Taking initiative opens doors to impactful collaborations

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Why Being Proactive Matters: The Value of Taking Initiative

Proactive Engagement is Key

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• Taking proactive steps positions researchers as valuable problem-solvers.

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Understanding Industry Priorities

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• Actively researching companies’ challenges and innovation gaps.

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Strategic Alignment = Stronger Impact

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• Helps researchers present their work in a way that resonates with industry.

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Aligning Research Goals with Industry Needs

Look for Companies with Aligned Goals

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• Use industry reports/news, clinicaltrials.gov, and publications to find companies working on similar problems or with a vision aligned with your research.

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Examine Their Current Projects

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• Explore company websites, press releases, and project portfolios to understand what they are working on.

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Understand Their Challenges

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• Focus on gaps in technology, product development, or operational efficiency that your research could address.

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Key Steps to Identifying Potential Industry Partners

Leverage Networking Opportunities

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• Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars where you can meet key players and learn more about the challenges they face.

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• Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into their strategic goals.

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Key Steps to Identifying Potential Industry Partners

Leverage Networking Opportunities

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• Build relationships, not just connections

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• Attend specialized industry meetups or roundtables

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• UMN Industrial Advisory Boards

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Key Steps to Identifying Potential Industry Partners

Industry Bio Structure for an Academic Researcher

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• Name, Title(s), Current Position and Institution

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• Research Focus and Areas of Expertise

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• Key Achievements and Contributions

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• Collaboration Experience

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• Industry Relevance of Research

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• Skills and Tools

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• Professional Goals and Interests

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Creating a Powerful Industry Bio

Developing a Compelling Introduction

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• Why it matters

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• Be concise

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• Personalize your message

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• Highlight relevance

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Establishing Connections: Crafting an Effective Outreach Strategy

Highlighting What Makes Your Research Unique

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• Why it matters

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• Focus on impact

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• Show the novelty

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• Tailor to the company’s needs

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Establishing Connections: Crafting an Effective Outreach Strategy

Give it another chance - Follow-Up Strategically

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• Why it matters

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• Be polite

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• Provide any additional value

Establishing Connections: Crafting an Effective Outreach Strategy