Increasingly emphasis has been placed on developing the working relationship between research institutions and industry. The strengthening of these relationships would enable more effective connections between knowledge, technological innovations and markets, therefore increasing the positive economic and social impact of research.

Rothamsted Research via the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with the support of Sciencewise, commissioned a public dialogue to explore public perceptions of the commercialisation and partnership of research institutions with industry. 

The process occurred between October 2013 and September 2014 and involved 49 members of the public. The participants took part in two public workshops located in the South of England. An additional ‘collaborative’ workshop with members of the public and key stakeholders was held in Harpenden. 

The public dialogue was delivered by OPM Group and the process was independently evaluated by 3KQ.

The results of the dialogue informed Rothamsted Research’s Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Strategy.