Research Ecosystem : industry Perspective Parasuram Balasubramanian, Founder & CEO, Theme Work Analytics, Bangalore & Entrepreneur in Residence at Purdue University, USA Delivered at the IIT Alumni 2008 Global Conference held at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras on Dec 20, 2008

Research Ecosystem : industry Perspective AcademiaIndustry Government Funding Agency Funding Agencies and Government are major stakeholders in the ecosystem. The research ecosystem consists of many stakeholders with varying objectives

Goal Alignment Systems & Processes Enablers & Enhancers Role of IITians Research Ecosystem : industry Perspective Some fundamental issues arise consistently but experience suggests some solutions Primary issues Necessary solutions

Challenge of task Interaction with industry Peer recognition Consulting role in deployment phase to publish papers; to present in conferences Resource Support Opportunity to be creative Sustained funding for Graduate Students Market Focused Governed by value propositions Project based Proprietary The research goals of industry and academia are divergent Academic PerspectiveIndustry Perspective Results in IP, indemnity and confidentiality issues. Further aggravated by funding Agency goals

Scope Definition Resource Management Time Management Multi tasking ; shared resources Overshadowed by goal accomplishment Cost Control Open ended with considerable latitude Subordinated to goal accomplishment Tightly Defined Dedicated resources preferred Mission critical Tightly Specified Academic PerspectiveIndustry Perspective Project management expertise fills this gap In addition, systems & processes vary significantly

NDA NDA :Non disclosure Agreement MOU :Memorandum of Understanding MRA :Master Research Agreement SPA :Specific project Agreement MOU SPA MRA A Governance Model can help align goals and drive projects smoothly

The suggested Funding Model can help match objectives of fund sources and research organizations Basic Research Applied Research (Generic) Applied Research (Specific) Grants, Endowments Industry Associations An individual Firm Go To Market Phase succeeds the AR(S) Phase. Either VC or internal funds of a firm to be used here.

Enablers make it happen & Enhancers add value Enablers Enhancers Internships Industry Advisory Boards Student competitions Rewards & Recognitions OTC Industry Mentors Industry Advisory Boards Interdisciplinary Centres

IITians, and alumni in particular, have an important role to play Enablers Enhancers Review research work Mentor students Provide support and resources Share expertise Facilitate data collection Float Proposals Validate Research Agenda Facilitate Value Constructs Guide Go to Market Initiatives