Business Breakfast "The Future of Industry - Academia Collaboration 2.0”
Tuesday 17 November 2026 08:00 - 09:30
Location: RGU Innovation Station, Sir Ian Wood Building
Join Aberdeen Centre for Entrepreneurship Research for an engaging business breakfast to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for partnerships that support innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and generate meaningful economic and social impact.
The Future of Industry–Academia Collaboration 2.0
How can businesses and RGU work together more effectively to develop future-ready talent, create business opportunities, accelerate innovation and create meaningful economic and social impact?
The Aberdeen Centre for Entrepreneurship Research (ACER) at Robert Gordon University (RGU) invites you to an engaging business breakfast bringing together industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and business support organisations to explore the future of industry–academia collaboration.
As industries adapt to technological advancements, evolving skills demands and new economic opportunities, stronger connections between universities and businesses are more important than ever. This event provides an opportunity to exchange insights, share experiences and explore practical approaches to building partnerships that benefit businesses, students and the wider economy.
Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, academic, researcher or professional involved in small business, entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, this event offers an opportunity to:
- Explore how universities and businesses can collaborate to address emerging skills gaps and prepare future-ready graduates.
- Gain insights into innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities for sustainable business growth.
- Discover opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and relationship building.
- Connect with industry professionals, academic experts and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.
08:00 – 08:05 | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr Jo Royle, Dean of Aberdeen Business School, and Dr Poh Yen Ng, Director of ACER, will welcome attendees and introduce the event's key themes and objectives.
08:05 – 08:30 | Keynote Address: Future Readiness
Jennifer Craw, Chief Executive, Opportunity North East, will share insights into preparing businesses and graduates for a rapidly changing future, strengthening resilient industry–academia partnerships and unlocking opportunities for innovation and growth.
08:30 – 09:00 | Panel Discussion: Strengthening Industry–Academia Collaboration
Featuring perspectives from:
- Adetayo Adeyemi, Scottish Enterprise
- Enda Logan, MA Hons MBA, Former RGU Visiting Professor
- Efemena Boro, Co-Founder, Borku UK Limited
- TBC, Representative from Business Gateway
The discussion will explore bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, developing future-ready skills, supporting entrepreneurship and overcoming barriers to effective collaboration. Attendees will also have the opportunity to contribute through an audience Q&A.
09:00 – 09:05 | Business Pitch Showcase: Blink and Bling
Discover an entrepreneurial venture, its business concept and growth journey, alongside opportunities for collaboration with academia and industry.
09:05 – 09:10 | Closing Remarks and Moving Forward
Chris Moule, Director of Research, Innovation & Enterprise at RGU, will conclude the formal programme with reflections on future collaboration opportunities.
From 09:10 | Informal Networking
Continue the conversation, exchange ideas and build valuable connections with fellow attendees.
Be Part of the Conversation!!
Join us to help shape stronger, more innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships between industry and academia. Bring your ideas, experiences and perspectives, and discover opportunities to turn conversations into meaningful collaboration.
Cost to attend: Free