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Researchers from The University of Queensland have developed an online tool to help small businesses work with universities to innovate their products and expand their trade.

The , developed through research with Deakin University and the CSIRO's SME Connect, helps small to medium enterprises (SMEs) understand their level of preparedness to work with a university to grow and develop.

Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne, Associate Dean (Research) from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, said university-business partnerships were not only beneficial for business innovation and development but also assisted academics with research outcomes.

"It is quite easy for universities to work with large businesses, as they have similar processes and practices," she said.

"Small businesses often don't have the resources to engage with the processes of a large organization like a university.

"This tool is a way to make it easier for that relationship to develop and progress.

"Businesses can use it to determine where to focus to ensure a science partnership can help them with innovation, or validate what they are doing."

The tool—which has already been widely used by Australian small businesses—was created following interviews with 800 organizations.

The interviews identified a need for a device to help businesses navigate research and development opportunities.

The tool uses a structured questionnaire that asks users about their current operations, innovation culture, leadership mindset, experience working with external partners, and strategic goals.

In an example of a successful business and university collaboration, an art manufacturer partnered with two research institutions to access funding that led to a multi-million-dollar advanced robotics hub.

In another case, a business worked with a university to develop a mattress with sensors that allowed caregivers to monitor a person's vital signs throughout the night in a non-invasive manner.

Professor Verreynne said the collaboration tool could be used by the business itself or through a facilitator, such as a business development manager.

Co-author, Deakin University Professor Rui Torres de Oliveira, said publishing the in journal, Research Policy, underscored the academic rigor and real-world relevance of the work.

"This tool translates years of research on SME and university collaboration into a practical resource for business to assess their readiness and unlock innovation through science partnerships," Professor de Oliveira said.