Knowledge and Business Engagement Networks in Academic Maritime Research: A Case Study of the University of Southampton

Abstract

The role of higher education research and engagement with external partners has received growing attention from both scholars and policy makers. These practices are usually studied or promoted for their impact on local development or the development of new business opportunities. This paper takes a different perspective and uses the case studies of the University of Southampton Maritime Studies University Strategic Research Group to reflect on the nature of engagement and exchanges both within and beyond academia. The multidisciplinary nature of Maritime Studies is explored in relation to its ability to enable or create exchanges which cut across the boundaries between research communities but also provides an opportunity to consider different practices of engagement of these different academic communities with the external world. The conclusions highlight the opportunities offered by multidisciplinary fields as platforms for learning in reference to knowledge and business engagement.