Research and innovation
We collaborate with businesses to enhance the North West economy through cutting-edge research and impactful initiatives.
Knowledge exchange is at the heart of what we do
The University of Central Lancashire produces world-class research with real-world applications. Our commitment to knowledge exchange ensures that our findings do not just remain within academia, but reach the organisations who can implement change. We achieve this through training, business services and consultancy.
Find out the ways our research and innovation can help your business.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a government-funded programme. They involve a collaboration between the business, an academic and a recent graduate. The academic will provide knowledge and insight. The graduate will then apply this knowledge to the business, looking for ways to innovate and improve.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can help to drive businesses forward, providing expert guidance and access to resources.
Innovation Lab
The Innovation Lab work collaboratively with businesses to provide a range of creative solutions. Our multi-skilled team can help you with media production, web and app development, and virtual reality. They also offer digital twinning, which can be used for prototyping, simulation and refining.
Lancashire Universities Innovation Programme
This programme is open to businesses in Preston and Burnley. It aims to drive innovation through access to our expertise and services, as well as other universities in Lancashire. These services include development, product testing and marketing. There is also an option for businesses to undertake student placements.
Intellectual property and commercialisation
We assist with licensing intellectual property and commercialisation. We have a vibrant research culture, so there are lots of opportunities for businesses to engage, collaborate and license our intellectual property. We can also help to commercialise your products and make your business investment-ready.
Engineering Innovation Centre
You can hire specialist facilities in our Engineering Innovation Centre. We can provide tailored training in areas like product design and low carbon technology, as well as demonstrations on how to use the latest equipment. You can also hire meeting spaces for peer-to-peer learning.
Frequently asked questions
Developed by Research England
The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) has been developed by Research England. The framework provides information on knowledge exchange delivered and facilitated by Higher Education Providers in England.
A driver of knowledge exchange across England
The KEF allows universities to better understand their own performance in knowledge exchange. KEF drives improvements across English universities, helping people access our world-class knowledge.
We have strength and depth in knowledge exchange
Our KEF results show strengths in diverse knowledge exchange activities. We rank in the top 20% for three out of seven of the eight main categories.