Demystifying academics to enhance university–business collaborations in environmental science

• DOI: 10.5194/gc-2-1-2019
• Publication Date: 2019-01-15T08:14:10Z
• Authors: John K. Hillier; Geoffrey R. Saville; Mike J. Smith; Alister J. Scott; Emma K. Raven; Jonathon Gascoigne; Louise J. Slater; Nevil Quinn; Andreas Tsanakas; Claire Souch; Gregor C. Leckebusch; Neil Macdonald; Alice M. Milner; Jennifer Loxton; Rebecca Wilebore; Alexandra Collins; Colin MacKechnie; Jaqui Tweddle; Sarah Moller; MacKenzie Dove; Harry Langford; Jim Craig
• Keywords: Promotion (chess); Publication; Nature versus nurture; Curiosity

Abstract. In countries globally there is intense political interest in fostering effective university–business collaborations, but has been scant attention devoted to exactly how an individual scientist's workload (i.e. specified tasks) and incentive structures assessment criteria) may act as a key barrier this. To investigate this original, empirical dataset derived from UK job specifications promotion criteria, which distil universities' varied drivers into requirements upon academics. This work reveals the nature of severe challenge posed by heavily time-constrained culture; specifically, tension exists between opportunities presented working with business non-optional duties (e.g. administration teaching). Thus, justify time business, such must inspire curiosity facilitate future novel science order mitigate its conflict overriding imperative for academics publish. It also provide evidence real-world changes impact), ideally other reportable outcomes official status business' advisor), feed back performance appraisals. Indicatively, amid 20–50 duties, typical full-time scientists be able free up 0.5 day per week business. Thus specific, pragmatic actions, including short-term time-efficient steps, are proposed “user guide” help initiate nurture long-term collaboration early- mid-career environmental scientist practitioner insurance sector. These actions mapped tailored typology impact newly created representative set appraisal criteria explain they effective, mutually beneficial overcome barriers. Throughout, focus on science, illustrative detail provided through example natural hazard risk modelling However, new conceptual model academics' behaviour developed, fusing perspectives literature motivations assessment, we propose internationally applicable transferable sectors. Sector-specific details list relevant impacts user guide) serve templates people differently more effectively together.