Strathclyde beats top European universities to win Korean deal

THE University of Strathclyde has fought off competition from five other higher education institutions to become the exclusive European partner on a research and development programme backed by the South Korean government.

The project, funded by Korea’s ministry of knowledge and economics, will see Strathclyde academics collaborating with technology companies to turn research projects into business opportunities.

Professor Jim McDonald, principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “This partnership is fantastic news for Strathclyde and to be chosen ahead of many other top European institutions is an indication of our growing reputation as a leading international technological university.”

Under the partnership, which is expected to last for at least three years, academics at the Glasgow university will team up with Korean technology SMEs. The Korean government’s Global Industry-Academia Co-operation Programme will provide £170,000 in funding for ten feasibility projects, in technologies such as biomedical devices, industrial materials, mobile communications and robotics.

Three of the studies are expected to go forward to full-scale research and development projects worth £1 million over three years. A further ten feasibility projects will be taken on next year.

Dr David McBeth, director of the university’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, described the project as a “unique opportunity” to collaborate with Korean companies.

He added: “I am hopeful that, in due course, the programme will open up opportunities for economic activity for Scottish companies as the collaboration matures.”

The university’s bid was supported by Scottish Development International and Anne MacColl, chief executive of the overseas trade agency, said the deal enhanced Scotland’s reputation as a knowledge-led economy.

She added: “The Korean government chose a Scottish university over any other in Europe in its search for an institution with a strong track record of success in commercial innovation and industry-driven research capability.”