Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/123779
The Chairman's Message Dr Krishnamurthy Rajagopal Chairman I am delighted to provide an introductory message for the UMIP Strategic Plan which has been produced to complement an important aspect of the University's 2015 Plan, namely the intellectual property dimension. Along with many other organisations in the UK, the University is facing challenging times, with the public finances being severely constrained and with increasing expectations upon the University for higher research and teaching ratings and competition for students and funding. This difficult climate is likely to persist for the first few years of this plan and forms a context for our Strategic Plan. Encouragingly, our licensing deals and spin-out companies have weathered the recent economic storms well. The successful marketing which led to the establishment of the £32M UMIP Premier Fund in 2008 – the largest of its kind in Europe – is one example of the University's successes during this time. However to match the University's overall ambitions it is necessary to have a clear path for intellectual property activities between now and 2015. This plan therefore presents a demanding set of goals and a structured approach for delivering them. The UMIP Board's role is to keep our vision and objectives constantly in mind and to ensure that the UMIP organisation follows the right strategies to meet or exceed expectations. The University's 2015 aims are bold and ambitious and UMIP has the opportunity to play a strong part in the University's future by excelling in intellectual property activities. Of course, it is the research and teaching staff in particular upon whom we rely for originating the intellectual property which UMIP evaluates, protects and commercialises. I am very conscious that UMIP needs to engage widely, actively and very positively with all staff if it is to succeed in its vision and objectives. The Board is keen to see that UMIP's teams have an obvious presence in Schools across the campus, as well as working closely with Faculty representatives to make sure that intellectual property aspirations and practices are aligned with their roles and plans. >> 3