Challenges when university researchers work collaboratively with industry in aviation safety: Why can’t we all just get along?

摘要

Increasing interest exists for collaboration between university researchers and industry partners, howeverrnthere have been few attempts to analyse the nature of these collaborations (Calvert & Patel, 2003). Thisrnpresents a void in terms of the challenges present, as well as the mutual benefits. In order to identify thernmost salient concerns, six researchers from Australian universities, who have worked with corporations onrnaviation research projects, and eight individuals from industry, who have worked with academicrncollaborators on aviation research projects, were sampled. Survey respondents were also asked whatrnbenefits were realized from the cross academic/industry partnerships. Findings revealed the most frequentrnchallenges that each group face, as well as the primary benefits. Qualitative comments are provided tornillustrate the three most common challenges and benefits. Results provide both valuable insights into therncommon predicaments when conducting applied aviation research and an indication as to which areas tornfocus on, in order to improve future collaborations. Further analyses are being conducted to identifyrnchallenges within other safety domains and concerns that may exist within international partnerships.