New measures to make it easier for universities and businesses to cooperate in research projects have been unveiled today.
Launched at a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Science and Innovation conference in Manchester, the new online toolkit seeks to remove the hassle from negotiating collaborative research agreements.
The service offers draft text for five different types of agreements as well as guidance on which version to use when drawing up plans for research.
It is hoped the toolkit will simplify negotiations as well as identify key issues by providing examples of best practice when firms and academic institutions form a relationship.
The service is one the recommendations of the Lambert Review, commissioned by the government in 2003 to strengthen collaboration between the UK's science and business communities.
Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said: "Collaborative working is essential if the UK is to compete in the new global economy on the basis of innovation."
"Using examples of best practice, these model agreements will allow potential business and university collaborators to identify the essential elements for successful and effective agreements - smoothing the path between ground-breaking research and innovative products."
To find out more about the service, click here
