Led by Dame Ann Dowling, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, its objective is to help researchers to "facilitate the development of trusting relationships that will deliver broad-based benefits to the UK through linking the long-term strategic needs of business with the UK's research capabilities".
Dame Ann is seeking the views of industry and academia in a call for evidence (click here). Submissions can be emailed to dowlingreview@raeng.org.uk
The Dowling review will consider the implications for the full spectrum of research disciplines and businesses of different sizes, types and sectors. It will build on recent studies and policy developments – including the Industrial Strategy – to identify gaps and opportunities for further progress.
Dame Ann said: "I am delighted that government is committed to improving the relationships between UK businesses and its outstanding university research capabilities and honoured to be leading this important review."
He added: "University researchers can be inspired by areas or developments that would make a long term difference to a particular company or sector, leading to challenging and innovative research. This in turn can give industry the confidence to invest more in UK research and facilitate the flow of innovation between academic researchers and industry.
"Some companies already foster such long term strategic relationships with academia and derive substantial benefits from them. We want to understand the barriers for others and make concrete recommendations about how they can be overcome to deliver broad benefits to the UK in the long term."