Arrangement and implementation of research projects involving research organisations, public bodies and a consultancy company: feedback from Asconit Consultants experience

Abstract

The Ramp, D projects in which Asconit Consultants is involved are related to technology or, more often, methodological innovations. These projects practically always rely on the same partnership composed of a public research organisation, a public body and a consultancy. The experience gained in about fifteen years enables the analysis of the key factors for success of the projects and also to identify the main difficulties or the reasons for failure. The implication of each partner from the arrangement step of the project is crucial. It is true for the public body which is sometimes the funding agency but who can be only the beneficiary of the research product. It is also important for the research organisation which must be able to valorise the work of its team. Finally the technical consulting company must be able to acquire skills that will be an asset for commercial activities. A proof of this implication lies in the financing of part of the project by the research organisation and the private company, contribution which is often required to complete the financing plan. A competitiveness cluster or a dedicated public organisation is sometimes involved, simply connecting complementary partners or supporting the emergence of the project through different means such as giving it a label providing access to funding. The encountered main difficulties can be financial, regulatory, and administrative, but also due to human relations (coordination of the partners, management of the PhD student, if any involved). Therefore, human relations between the partners and their capacity and pleasure to work together remain decisive factors to overcome difficulties and reach success.