In this guest blog Anna Cuthbert, Marketing Manager at Edinburgh Innovations, introduces the new Innovation Career Pathway that has recently been launched at the University of Edinburgh, to support researchers at all levels, from Early Career Researchers to Professors, who are interested in pursuing innovation as part of their career path.
The University of Edinburgh has launched a new route to career development for academics wishing to focus on commercialisation and engagement with industry.
The Innovation Career Pathway was a commitment in the University’s recent Research and Innovation Strategy 2030 and will ensure that all researchers have comprehensive access to developing entrepreneurial and commercialisation skills, and are recognised for commercialising research or working with industry. It elevates innovation alongside traditional research metrics such as research output and teaching contributions.
The Pathway includes a new UK-first Competency Framework that sets out the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to support advancement. This comes as a downloadable user guide that comprises ten Competencies that span five Innovation Capability Levels from Potential Innovator to Innovation Leader. It also includes three underpinning principles: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Responsible innovation and Entrepreneurial mindset. Have a look and see if you can identify which Innovation Capability Level you are on for the various Competencies and where you need less or more support to progress.
Online access to the Innovation Pathway is via the Innovation Careers Hub, which also includes a downloadable brochure that provides 20 Learning and Development Opportunities, mapped onto the competencies and innovation capability levels from the Competency Framework. Have a browse and find what is relevant and interesting to you.
Be inspired by the Innovation Fellowships as well as profiles on current Fellows, who are given the time, resources, and support necessary to develop and implement groundbreaking ideas. You can also explore the profiles of some Inspirational Innovators, who are driving innovation to improve the world around us.
At the bottom of each page you will find a link to the Edinburgh Innovations webpages for further information about all innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities, and of course, please do get in touch to discuss your next steps with your School Business Development team member.
