A reflection by Christina Blakey, Director of Knowledge Exchange at Edgehill University.
On April 28th, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) will launch their report, Exploring 20 Years of University-Business Collaboration. Coupled with the two-year anniversary of the Knowledge Exchange (KE) Office at Edge Hill University, and my own (almost 15 year) KE career journey, I have been reflecting on the significant changes in KE over the past 15 years.
First and foremost, the term itself has evolved – Knowledge Exchange is now the accepted terminology within universities. For those outside academia, KE encompasses a diverse range of activities, relationships, and projects between universities and external organisations. It is a critical driver of innovation, fostering collaboration across sectors, and ensuring research and expertise is applied to solve real-world problems. KE accelerates the development of new technologies, supports economic growth, enhances policymaking, and builds networks that fuel progress alongside upskilling individuals to tackle new challenges and problem solve in their own organisations. Who knew it would become such a powerful force for societal change?
When I began my career in KE, I was already passionate about university life—the curiosity of my colleagues, the freedom to explore ideas, and the niche interests that filled the days. My first official KE role enabled me to work with and learn from a world-leading executive education provider, focusing on applied research to improve productivity, culture, and inclusivity.
This marked the start of my journey into what we now recognise as KE, a field that I continue to find deeply rewarding. I was fortunate to work with experts dedicated to using their intellectual abilities to tackle real-world challenges. I recall being in a room with senior business leaders, absorbing insights from influential figures engaged in deep discussions on economics, strategy, and leadership. At the time, I did not know that what I was experiencing was “knowledge exchange,” nor did I understand concepts like research commercialisation or technology transfer. I was blissfully unaware but captivated by the endless opportunities to make a difference.
However, over time, I have come to appreciate that it is not always so simple. Universities, with their complex structures, can sometimes seem difficult to navigate, or even out of touch with the needs of industry, businesses, and the communities we serve. Yet, with the right approach, these barriers can be overcome.
Two years ago, I took on the opportunity at Edge Hill University to apply everything I had learned in KE and create an accessible, engaging, and innovative KE model for both current and future partners. We have worked hard to open up our colleagues’ extensive knowledge and expertise, aligning their priorities with the needs of external partners. Our aim is to drive growth, innovation, and positive change for everyone involved—internally and externally. We have been continually improving our practices, upskilling our team, and driving change in the community. Most importantly, we are reshaping the narrative around the value of KE, not just for the university but for the wider world.
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate not only to love what I do, but to have had opportunities that few other industries could offer. From completing my MBA to pursuing a doctorate and experiencing unique moments—from feeding sardines to wild wolves to racing an F1 car in simulation—KE has allowed me to connect with some of the most innovative, passionate business professionals from across the country.
As we look to the future, the importance of KE continues to grow. There are still challenges to address, but with continued collaboration, innovation, and commitment, the potential for KE to drive positive change has never been greater. I am looking forward to looking back when NCUB launch their report to see just how the world of university and business collaboration has changed and where the future will take us.
