Connecting business school research with industry priorities

Join us for an event designed to connect business school researchers with industry professionals who are currently undertaking a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at institutions across the UK.

This friendly and supportive event is an opportunity for researchers to meet people actively seeking research-informed solutions to address industry challenges.

We are seeking expressions of interest from early-career and PhD researchers working in the following areas:

• Sustainable practice
• Leadership and culture
• Marketing
• Digital transformation
• Business strategy

Discover how research creates impact beyond academia 

DBA students occupy a unique position between research and practice. They are experienced professionals working within organisations while undertaking doctoral-level research focused on challenges they encounter in their industries and communities. 

This event creates a space for researchers and DBA students from across the country to share ideas, discuss challenges and explore potential collaborations.  

Why attend? 

This event will help you to: 

• Gain insights into how academic research can address organisational and societal challenges 

• Discuss your research with industry professionals who value evidence-based approaches 

• Discover DBA research projects that address workplace challenges  

• Build meaningful connections with industry professionals 

What to expect 

The event will combine short presentations, facilitated networking and interactive discussions designed to spark new ideas and connections. 

Participants will have opportunities to: 

• Meet DBA students working on impact-driven research projects 

• Learn about challenges emerging from industry and professional practice 

• Share research insights and expertise in an accessible and collaborative environment 

This event is for early-career academic researchers, and PhD students, from anywhere in the UK – no prior industry or networking experience required.     

Participation is free and travel costs to Exeter will be covered in line with the University of Exeter expenses policy.   

Places are limited and will be assigned according to areas of expertise. 

An online workshop on bridging research and industry cultures will be offered to all researchers prior to the event.  This will develop skills in identifying areas for collaboration, crafting compelling narratives with clarity and will start to build a toolkit towards transforming research into action with non-academic partners.   

This event is being piloted as part of the DBAA research project. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to read the participant information sheet, sign a research consent form, and complete evaluation questionnaires before and after the sessions.