Skills in Commercially-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research: A Case Study of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute

Abstract

This thesis examines skills involved in the undertaking of commercially-oriented interdisciplinary research processes. Both interdisciplinary research and research commercialisation have gained increased attention in recent years. Interdisciplinary research has a reputation of tackling complex and ‘wicked’ issues, while shifting societal values have come to place expectation upon universities to be more economically active. These dynamics together encourage universities to participate in more commercially-oriented interdisciplinary research. However, it has become clear that there is a distinct lack of relevant skills amongst researchers. This paper seeks to help address this knowledge gap, through the examination of skills in this kind of context. While nine skills were identified in the literature review, a series of nine semi-structured interviews at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute only identified eight, outlined below. The findings of this study highlighted eight skills important to conducting commercially-oriented interdisciplinary research: (1) problem definition, (2) opportunity recognition, (3) goal alignment, (4) relational intelligence, (5) communication, (6) network leveraging, (7) research ability, and (8) selling. These skills can exist independently, but are most effective in combination with one another. For example, strong relational intelligence skills impact communication, goal alignment, and even problem definition. Several frameworks are used to help describe these skills, including those describing interpretive relational practices (Hibbert, Siedlok, & Beech, 2016), feminine relational practices (Buttner, 2001a; Fletcher, 1998), the T-shaped competency profile (Hansen & Oetinger, 2001; Uhlenbrook & de Jong, 2012), the role of material objects and specialised skills (Kaplan, Milde, & Cowan, 2017), as well as various frameworks regarding recommendations for overcoming collaborative difficulties (Bammer, 2008; Blackwell, Wilson, Boulton, & Knell, 2009; Sutherland Olsen, 2009). This study can help to (1) inform education of future commercially-oriented interdisciplinary researchers, (2) aid in the effectiveness and development of commercially-oriented interdisciplinary teams, and (3) help inform governmental and institutional policy.