Interdisciplinarity: Creativity in Collaborative Research Approaches to Enhance Knowledge Transfer

This paper outlines how collaborative approaches were used to successfully generate research opportunities and enhance knowledge transfer in the development of new products. The researchers were drawn from across four disciplines within the University of Ulster and worked closely with an industrial partner to develop and test new approaches to the design and development of soft body armour. The paper highlights the drivers needed to support interdisciplinary collaboration and examines motivations for co-operation between industry and universities in the transfer, exchange and management of knowledge. A research project, highlighting two case studies demonstrates that design- and science-based partnerships can be successful in creating and transferring new knowledge.