University-Industry Cooperation Needs Permanent Structures

The notion that companies struggle to find the right researchers for collaboration is challenged by Ari-Matti Erjansola, a doctor of political science and lecturer at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Responding to a previous opinion piece, Erjansola contends that the perceived difficulty is not insurmountable and that the issue lies in the lack of established structures to facilitate these connections.

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Companies can't identify suitable researchers for collaboration.

Erjansola dismisses the idea that companies cannot identify appropriate experts from the thousands of researchers working in specialized fields within Finnish universities. He advocates for the creation of intermediary roles or services, similar to those proposed by Maria Nyroos and Mikko Kinnunen, that understand both corporate and academic perspectives. These intermediaries would be crucial in effectively connecting businesses with the specific expertise they need.

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Companies and universities need intermediaries who understand both perspectives and can connect them effectively.

Furthermore, Erjansola refutes the idea that supporting corporate product development is at odds with the mission of universities. He argues that universities conduct vital basic research, and assisting companies with product development does not contradict the goal of advancing knowledge and understanding. In fact, he posits that companies, as significant societal actors, often engage in research areas that academics study, making collaboration a natural and beneficial avenue.

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It is difficult to see why supporting companies' product development would be in conflict with increasing knowledge and understanding.

Instead of relying on sporadic, random collaborations, Erjansola stresses the need for permanent structures that foster ongoing, mutually beneficial relationships between universities and businesses. Such systematic approaches would ensure that both sectors can leverage each other's strengths more effectively, leading to greater innovation and shared progress.

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Instead of random researcher collaboration, permanent structures are needed that benefit all parties.