A unique strategic partnership framework between BAE Systems and five leading UK universities – including the University of Birmingham – has been recognised for innovation in BAE Systems’ internal Chairman’s Awards programme.
As a leader in developing some of the world’s most innovative technologies, BAE Systems invests in R&D to generate future products and capabilities, constantly looking for new ways to help its customers maintain a competitive edge now and into the future. Collaborating with universities like Birmingham in key technology areas gives BAE Systems access to the latest academic expertise and world-class capability and provides the University with an exciting real-world application to apply its academic know-how.
BAE Systems’ innovative strategic university partnership framework was developed in close conjunction with its 5 partner universities, including the University of Birmingham. Each was chosen for its breadth of capability and excellence in future technology areas, aligned to BAE System’s ambitions.
The flexible framework allows BAE Systems to bring a focused approach to its partnerships for maximum mutual benefit. Partnering with the entire university rather than individual departments allows access to all specialisms, and a quick route to the required knowledge and expertise for the problem or idea at hand.
Steve Harris, Head of External Partnerships at BAE Systems comments, “I’m really pleased that our partnership has been recognised in this way. It’s a novel approach that has allowed us to increase the value of the work we do together.”
“A great example of this in practice has been the work we have been exploring with the University of Birmingham’s virtual reality and immersive systems scientists. Together we developed some of the initial concepts of the virtual cockpit concept to support the government’s future combat air strategy that was demonstrated to much acclaim at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow”
Richard Fox, Strategic Business Engagement Partner at the University of Birmingham, and responsible for the relationship with BAE Systems, adds, “Our strategic partnerships with industry, such as BAE Systems, help build long term relationships by understanding the needs of industry and how we can work best to help meet challenges together, enabling the development of exciting research programmes that utilise the expertise of our academics and provide benefit to business. We are delighted to be recognised with this award and look forward to future collaboration with BAE Systems.”