Enterprise and Commercial Development

Enterprise and Commercial Development (ECD) are the business focussed research and innovation service of Staffordshire University. We help businesses to tap into University expertise by developing mutually beneficial collaborations between University academics and external organisations. We offer a support network for potential partners who are interested in utilising Staffordshire University’s cutting edge research, technologies and services to develop, innovate and become the market leaders of tomorrow in an increasingly competitive market place.

By working with local and regional organisations that provide services and support for businesses, such as the Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to continue to attract new business and inward investment into the region, engage with local businesses and add value to the regional economy.

ECD offer support for academics that are looking for a commercial or non-commercial interface with external organisations and we help to maximise the University’s income from research and enterprise. ECD work closely with faculties providing cutting edge research in a variety of disciplines through Applied Research Centres (ARCs) and we have access to a wide range of innovation support programmes.

Knowledge Transfer strengthens the competitiveness and economic performance of the UK through the enhancement of knowledge and skills and the stimulation of innovation. Collaborative partnerships are formed between business, industry and the community to help businesses to improve their competitiveness by accesssing academic knowledge, expertise and resources within the University. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) can help turn an organisation around and move forward in an innovative and streamlined way.

• Find out how KTPs work

The External Projects Team provides information on external funding, partners and innovation activities. The team works with researchers and academic staff to help diversify income for Staffordshire University.

We can help academic staff to find the right fund for a particular project and advise and support on project development. We also offer specialist support and advice to project managers on the negotiation of contracts.

There are various funding sources for research and development. Depending on the area of work, the team may be able to partner to assist in applying for funding from external organisations. You can find details of how to conduct your own funding search on the EPT's SUN intranet page. You can also sign up for the External Projects Team monthly newsletter Wider Outlook by email to externalprojects@staffs.ac.uk.

If you are interested in developing a project and want the support of the External Projects Team, you can complete a Project Enquiry Form.

Staffordshire University has a vital role in increasing the competitiveness of the region and promoting the exchange of knowledge-based expertise. By supporting lifelong learning and workforce development, it can also give employers and employees the skills and qualities they need for economic productivity and growth.

The University works with the Mercia Seed Fund both as an investor and by providing candidates seeking investment, primarily in commercial investments in technology backed high growth start-ups within the West Midlands. Interactions with Mercia Fund are to invest as well as accelerate the development of new ventures looking for rapid growth in certain key technology sectors in life sciences, ICT and advanced materials.

Institutional Memberships:

• Modern Universities Research Group (MURG)

• Association for Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA)

• Association of University and Industry Links (AURIL)

• Southern Staffordshire Partnership (SSP)

• FINEST Network

• North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI)

• UK Science and Enterprise Council (UKSEC)

• PraxisUnico 

Enterprise and Commercial Development have secured funding through the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) to help local and regional businesses to innovate and grow. Working in partnership with the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Vouchers (PDF, file size: 58.17KB)  have been launched worth £3,000 each to purchase academic support from Staffordshire University.

Companies who fit the criteria and are interested in applying can complete an electronic application form which will then be submitted to the project team for consideration.