Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/433487
We present both the stories of the classic entrepreneurs and a selection of views from what might be termed 'intermediaries' on how the 'Mancunian Milieu' supports innovation. A summary chart of the case studies is presented on the next two pages, grouped across research domain and the broad industry sector in which the company applies its technology/application. We have also classified each case study by type – Spin-out, Corporate Partnership and so on, as they appear, in alphabetical order. What is clear from this is that few research domains provide a linear pathway to their subsequent applications in the real world. The notable (and well-recognised) exception is biomedical health applications. In this area, academic research is driven by the search for curative approaches to well-defined and diagnosed diseases, and therefore is 'pulled through' directly. The biomedical model led much of the rush to a 'licensing and patenting' approach to early UK university research commercialistion activity. The contribution of knowledge to innovation in business, however, does not necessarily come only from the most 'obvious' disciplines related to the application domain. Individual application domains frequently draw on combinations of different research domains. This demonstrates one of the strengths of the institution in that it recognises and supports these (apparently) cross-disciplinary knowledge flows. University spin-out shows its strength in materials science The University formed a wholly owned subsidiary company, CAPCIS, in the early days to carry out industrial projects. The company is a perfect illustration of the University's strength in materials science, particularly corrosion, and its long-term culture of engagement with industry. CAPCIS was spun out by the university in 1993 and began to manufacture measurement and test equipment. It is now regarded as Europe's leading materials consultancy and specialist testing company, providing a diverse range of integrity and asset management services to the oil and gas, utility, infrastructure, transport and legal/insurance sectors. The University, through its then commercialisation arm, succeeded in attracting industry talent to manage the business, which succeeded in a trade sale to FTSE 100 listed Intertek Plc. The company has grown substantially and now has offices in the UAE, Libya, Houston and Kuala Lumpur, but its operational centre remains in Manchester, on the edge of the campus and its main laboratories are also in Greater Manchester. It retains strong links with the University. 9