Technology Transfer Office Organises a Consultation Workshop on GUtech’s Consultancy Policy

GUtech’s Technology Transfer Office organised a consultation workshop to discuss GUtech’s consultancy policy recently.

GUtech’s consultancy policy aims at creating the right framework for faculty and staff to offer their expertise to external parties. The policy is aligned with GUtech strategic plan and encourages faculty and staff to pursue consultancy assignments in order to contribute to the University’s mission of serving society as a whole.

Dr Chris Moody, TTO director, run the consultation to clarify the current GUtech’s consultancy policy, unveil doubts over the permissible time for consultancy, and reach a consensus over consultancy pricing and sharing. “It is a common practice in academia to find faculty and staff are approach to provide technical and creative expertise, to devise solutions for industrial problems, to be called upon for expert feedback in courts, to provide expert reports or to serve on government’s policy making task force.” Explained Moody.

Consultancy assignments are one of the lucrative activities that faculty and staff may choose to undertake during their tenure at GUtech. “offering the right incentives and a structured scheme for the permissible time to spend on externally-funded consultancies should create a conducive environment for sharing knowledge and opening up the door for working closely with the industry.” Stated Moody.

Besides teaching and research, GUtech aspires to develop business and community relations and increase income from non-academic sources.

Consultancy can also help to develop research collaborations and maintain relationships with the industry.

TTO is tasked with providing support to faculty and staff to carry out consultancy assignments that can be reasonably handled besides the regular duties. The support covers administrative aspects ranging from project pricing to contract negotiation.