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Innovation and engagement

The Open University's (OU) research community conducts world-class research and innovation which has impact in the real world and deep into space.

Our Knowledge Exchange Plan aims to help us ehance societal impact through external partnerships founded on our research.

We have extensive expertise in research and external engagement and a proven track record of benefiting organisations large and small. There are many different ways in which you can access our knowledge base and work collaboratively with us to help fulfil your organisation’s potential.

The OU's Enterprise Team has a dedicated role to develop Knowledge Exchange opportunities and to work with partners.

We maximise our impact through major collaborations with external organisations ranging from public bodies to third-sector to business, benefiting the economy, society and cultural life. An example of this is the fact that the OU has developed, and manages, a major new public policy initiative: PolicyWISE. PolicyWISE will be the UK's first network of academics and civil servants to explicitly address comparative public policy research and knowledge exchange across the four nations of the UK and Ireland.  

More examples of our impact, across a range of areas, are set out below.

Our services

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Consultancy, collaboration and contract research

OU academics, scientists and engineers work at the forefront of new research, technology and business applications in response to the needs of commercial clients.

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Partnerships

Our network of national and regional centres makes us uniquely placed to develop research partnerships with organisations throughout the UK and beyond.

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Access our facilities and services

Our Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes has well-equipped cutting edge research facilities available for use by organisations in both the public and private sector.

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License our technology

OU technology has the potential to provide innovative solutions to the challenges your organisation faces.

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Case studies

Read about outstanding examples which show how our academics create real life impact in industry and communities.

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Knowledge Transfer Vouchers

The Knowledge Transfer Voucher scheme aims to kick-start new relationships and collaborative projects between Open University academics and SMEs, public and third sector organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.