Short-term staff exchange at UNEW in the scope of the MONUSEN project
The University Newcastle (UNEW) hosted, from 15th to 27th April 2024, Professor Igor Radusinović within a short-term staff exchange to enhance the Research and Innovation Management and Administration (RIMA) capabilities of the University of Montenegro in the area of technology transfer, research exploitation, and industry engagement. The exchange included training in Introduction to Technology Transfer and Knowledge Exchange, Intellectual Property (IP) & Licensing, University Start-ups, and a case study on successfully commercialising underwater acoustic communications at UNEW.
The staff exchange also provided a unique opportunity for Professor Radusinović to visit the state-of-the-art research vessel of the Newcastle University, The Princess Royal. This vessel, renowned for its stability, large deck area, and manoeuvrability, has established itself as an ideal platform for small research vessels. During his visit, Professor Radusinović was a guest of Succerofish, a company established in 2008, which provides accurate, reliable, and affordable monitoring technology capable of performing in harsh environments.
Professor Jeff Neasham mainly facilitated the staff exchange. During the staff exchange, Professor Radusinović was engaged in the RIMA training and discussions with both RIMA and the academic staff of UNEW. The comprehensive program covered various critical topics, which provided him with significant insights and practical knowledge to enhance our capacities at the University of Montenegro.
The case study on the successful commercialisation of underwater acoustic communications at UNEW was a key part of the program. It involved studying the background and IP involved, observing the steps from academic output to marketable technology, and learning the detailed process of transferring technology from lab to market. The session on effective communication strategies with industrial stakeholders and reviewing licensing agreements offered practical insights into the industrys workings, ensuring the practical knowledge gained was comprehensive and applicable.
Developing business partnerships and supporting business growth were also discussed, including building and maintaining strategic partnerships, leveraging innovation hubs and networks for growth, and engaging in collaborative creation processes with partners. The visit also provided a real-world context to the theoretical knowledge gained and illustrated the practical implementation of research and innovation strategies.
In conclusion, the staff exchange at UNEW has been immensely beneficial. It has offered a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of technology transfer and research commercialisation. Professor Radusinović gained significant knowledge and skills from this fascinating experience, which he may use to improve the University of Montenegros research and innovation capacities.