Businesses urged to make the most of world-class expertise on their doorstep
There's a new way for hard pressed businessmen and women to access the expertise of the University of Southampton - one of the UK's top research-led universities.
The University's Centre for Enterprise and Innovation is launching the Southern Technology Network (STN) for companies involved in the business of technology. It will offer extensive online resources including advice on finance and other professional services as well as opportunities to network with other cutting edge enterprises and the academic community.
The launch event of the Southern Technology Network at the Turner Sims Hall on the University's Highfield campus (6.00pm, Thursday 8 Sept) will include presentations from companies already prospering through links with higher education, opportunities to meet world-class research academics and staff who can help forge successful future relationships. The launch event will be the first in a series of relevant and targeted business and technology briefings aimed at bringing the technology business community together.
CEI Director, Dr Tony Raven said: "Research from the DTI shows more than 80 percent of companies who have partnerships with universities report improved business success compared to fewer than 50 per cent who work alone. We are sure there are thousands of companies in the south east which could benefit from working with the University of Southampton or our partner universities."
The University of Southampton is a centre of excellence in many fields, including electronics and computer science, optoelectronics and engineering. It is also home to the National Oceanography Centre. More than 16 spin out companies have been launched in the last five years alone.
The Southern Technology Network will give businesses
* Links with latest research innovations
* Networking with other high-tech high-growth companies
* Useful placements with undergraduate and postgraduate students
* Links with the University's valued consultancy services
* Opportunities to recruit specialist staff, market technology and products by listing company descriptions online.
The event is being organised with the support of Solent Synergy. Solent Synergy is a working group with the aim of accelerating the development of a strong, sustainable business through Hampshire's knowledge-based businesses.