In the autumn of 2020, the activities of UU Innovation of the time underwent review. It came to light that there was a need to implement a clearer organisation and to anchor and coordinate the University-wide innovation and collaboration work, especially with regard to the wishes and needs of the disciplinary domains.
On 15 December, a Vice-Chancellor decision was made to divide the organisation into two units, with the aim of creating a long-term sustainable solution to the University’s need for appropriate, high-quality support for utilisation of research results through commercialisation as well as research collaboration with a focus on innovation.
The new units are Uppsala University Innovation (UU Innovation) and Uppsala University Collaboration (UU Collaboration). Both of these units fall under the Vice-Chancellor and are located in the Hubben building at Uppsala Science Park. The units have separate roles, but complement each other.
General roles of the two units
UU Collaboration’s role is to strive to ensure that research-based knowledge benefits society through collaboration. The unit shall provide support to researchers and researcher groups to establish, develop and run collaboration and innovation projects with external players through measures such as providing advice on utilisation through collaboration, process and project management, collaboration agreements, and funding.
The unit shall work for increased knowledge on collaboration within the University and to develop patterns for cross-border knowledge exchanges and innovation development through collaboration. UU Collaboration shall also support university management and domain/faculty management teams in strategic collaboration initiatives.
UU Innovation’s role is to provide support to researchers and students in developing and implementing innovative products, services and methods for the benefit of society. The unit provides services such as advice on the utilisation of research results and ideas, patent protection and rights issues, business development, and funding. Promoting innovation and contributing to increased knowledge of and ability to manage knowledge assets within the University are also part of their role.
UU Collaboration and UU Innovation are now working to shape their respective activities based on the new conditions. The Head of UU Collaboration is Jenny Nordqvist and the Head of UU Innovation is Malin Graffner Nordberg.