Bridging the gap:taking knowledge from research to the outside world

Richard Wells and Michael Wykes, University of Exeter

7th April 2011

Challenges I

• Proactive or Reactive?• Money, money, money• Developing a shared understanding• Competing Interests• Location/Geography• Timescales• Rights and Benefits

• ‘Unknown Knowns’• Managing Expectations • Language and Perception• Communication: involve at every stage?• 8-page CDA Case for Support / Je-S?• Unsuccessful bids

Challenges II

Opportunities I

• Win-Win• Success Rates• REF – Outputs, Impact Statement and Case

Studies• De-mythologising and Evangelising• Capacity Building

Opportunities II

• Scalability• International Comparators (PROTTEC)• Evidence; GVA• Combating the ring-fence• Surviving the 2010s• Satisfaction

How to build a bridge

Engagement and exchange not mere ‘transfer’

• The Link Fund for academics• Bridging the gaps – pilot funding• Work placements and internships for

postgraduates

Bridging the Gap

• Community and Landscape: Transforming Access to the Heritage of the Poltimore Estate, in partnership with Poltimore House (£160k, 2010-2012)

• Penlee house Museum and Gallery: Connecting with the Local Community, in partnership with the Penlee House and Gallery Museum (£103k, 2008-9)

• Geevor Tin Mine Museum, in partnership with Pendeen Community Heritage (£66k, 2007-9)

• Revitalizing the Prom: Popular Performance and History at the Seaside, in partnership with the Pierrotters (£28k, 2010)

Bridging the Gap

• Collaborative Doctoral Awards in partnership with the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (2010-15, £150k)

• Exetreme Imagination: Festival of Literature for Children and Young People (£125k, 2010 )

• Small is Beautiful? Visual and Material Cultures of Making and Mending (£87k, 2011)

• The Role of Values in Responding to Major Social Change:  Christian Churches and the Transition Town Movement (£227k, 2010-13)

• Wordquest Devon (£150k, 2010-2012)