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, however there have been few attempts to analyse the nature of these collaborations (Calvert & Patel, 2003). This presents a void in terms of the challenges present, as well as the mutual benefits. In order to identify the most salient concerns, six researchers from Australian universities, who have worked with corporations on aviation research projects, and eight individuals from industry, who have worked with academic collaborators on aviation research projects, were sampled. Survey respondents were also asked what benefits were realized from the cross academic/industry partnerships. Findings revealed the most frequent challenges that each group face, as well as the primary benefits. Qualitative comments are provided to illustrate the three most common challenges and benefits. Results provide both valuable insights into the common predicaments when conducting applied aviation research and an indication as to which areas to focus on, in order to improve future collaborations. Further analyses are being conducted to identify challenges within other safety domains and concerns that may exist within international partnerships.