The challenges of doing two things at
once; maintaining a busy career or studying
and also commercialising a new technology
or service may seem formidable to many.
However, embarking on entrepreneurial
activities together with your existing
activities can go hand-in-hand, especially
here at Manchester where we recognise
the benefits of both.
Being involved in an innovative
start-up, whether leading it or as part of a
team, enables you to think more broadly,
creatively and solve technical issues. This
experience helps to hone your presentation
and negotiation skills, plus develop your
ability to manage small teams, time and
resources. Such hands-on experience
can open new doors leading to securing
new industry funding, new networks and
collaborators thus extending your ability to
create impact from your innovation.
Correspondingly staying in academia, for
example, allows you to keep abreast of the
most forward-looking results in your field
and to think more broadly and critically
about how to transfer your technology or
service. It can help to develop science and
innovation that could lead to new business
opportunities, and identify and recruit new
talent. This balance allows you to optimise
your opportunities.
6
FINDING THE TIME FOR YOUR INNOVATION -
GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT
Some of our Social Innovators
