An experience on Industry-University collaborative research

Industry-university collaboration is common at GMI Engineering & Management Institute, USA, a fully co-operative institution which requires students to write a fifth-year thesis on a project relevant to an industrial sponsor. While the undergraduate link between GMI and its industrial sponsors is strong, collaborating on higher level research projects is somewhat new. This paper documents the phases of a collaborative research experience between GMI Engineering and Management Institute and Ford Motor Company. It also presents the potential benefits to each party, describes appropriate relationships, and exhibits steps for continuing cooperation. The paper concludes with an outline for a successful collaboration and suggests ways to ensure a fruitful experience for both industry and university participants