Research and Innovation secretary
Victoria Hurst takes a business call
01792 606060, set up by the Department of Research and Innovation within the University, aims to put businesses and organisations in touch with an expert to solve a problem or assist with an opportunity they have identified in the workplace.
Businesses can call the phone line open from 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday, to discuss research, development and technical assistance needs and to identify business support or funding opportunities. They will also be able to find out about and join university-business networks, as well as gain access to specialist facilities and resources available within the University.
The hotline can also be a useful resource for those with queries on how to go about recruiting graduates, and for those just starting out who are looking for incubation space for their business.
Ceri Jones, Deputy Head of the Department of Research and Innovation, explains why 01792 606060 is so important to the University and Welsh industry: “Having a dedicated telephone line for businesses and organisations is a much needed addition to the services the University offers.
“The Government has called for more effective collaboration between education and industry in recent years, and this partnership is key to building a bigger and better knowledge economy for Wales. 01792 606060 will widen access to University expertise, resources and facilities and our expert staff will ensure that callers receive the help they need.
“The Department of Research and Innovation is well placed to deal with these calls, as it is at the heart of university-industry collaborations including the Dragon Innovation Partnership, a collaboration between Swansea University, Swansea Metropolitan University and Trinity University College that aims to help businesses and organisations reach relevant experts for their support, development and learning needs. Next month we will also be officially launching the brand new business innovation network, Knowledge Exchange Wales, the only Welsh business network to be a member of internationally acclaimed business network, Global Connect.
“We hope 2010 will be the year Swansea University puts university-industry collaboration on the map for Wales, and 01792 606060 will help us on our way.”
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