Partnerships | From precincts to ecosystems: How universities can build the connective tissue of innovation

How can universities make academic consulting easier, safer, and more valuable? In this episode, Jaci Barnett, Chief Operating Officer at Oxford University Innovation, shares lessons on defining projects, managing risk, rewarding academics, and protecting independent judgement

How can universities make entrepreneurial learning part of their daily practice? In this episode, Antonella Sannella, Managing Director of H-FARM College, shares how industry projects, protected experimentation, a connected campus, and thoughtful use of AI help students apply knowledge and build judgement.

How can universities help fragmented regional systems coordinate and act? In this episode, Lisa Kehoe, Head of Impact Development at the University of Bristol, shares lessons from community micro-campuses, cyber growth planning, and health partnerships. She also explains why effective convening depends on curiosity, credible teams, practical experimentation, and long-term infrastructure.

How can researchers turn impact ambitions into benefits that matter beyond academia? For this episode, we invited Mark Reed, Professor of Rural Entrepreneurship at Scotland’s Rural College and CEO of Fast Track Impact, to share a practical approach based on external needs, inclusive relationships, small-scale learning, adaptable plans, and credible evidence.

How can universities make collaboration more strategic without constraining the relationships academics already build? Søren Land, Head of Team Collaboration & SDU Startup Station at University of Southern Denmark, explains how the University of Southern Denmark uses faculty briefs, cross-functional groups, a catalogue of services, and live dashboards to connect engagement with institutional priorities.