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Collaborate with researchers

At KTH, your company or organisation can develop its knowledge base and benefit from the accessible research and innovative environment offered at KTH, by making use of collaborative research outputs, research centres and research opportunities.

Two people in a lobby, talking over a laptop.

How research collaboration with KTH works

KTH welcomes research collaboration that strengthens both our own scientific work and teaching at KTH as well as in­creases the dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Collaborative research between KTH and the private sector, or other mem­bers of society, is limited by certain requirements in order to meet the ex­pectations of a university financed with public funds. We are open to discuss how the collaboration can be structured to enable the best possible benefits for both parties.

For the university to enter into research collaborations, certain requirements must be met: the collaboration must have scientific value and be in line with the general role of the university; the collaboration must be characterised by quality, transparency and clarity; and it must comply with all applicable laws, guidelines and ethical principles at KTH. It is important for KTH to ensure that such partnerships do not infringe on market competition, public confidence in the University, or restrict the University’s scope to pursue further research and education. All collab­orations must be subject to written agreements.

Two forms of research collaboration

There are two possible forms of col­laboration within research: Contract Research and Collaborative Research. As the legal foundation is different for each type of research, it is important to discuss the intentions of the parties to know which form is appropriate.

Contract Research versus Collaborative Research

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Contract Research

Collaborative Research

Type of project

The commissioning party “owns” the research subject.

The research subject is formulated by the parties jointly.

Financing

The commissioning party is responsible for the full project costs according to the principle of full costs coverage.

All parties involved are to contribute financially, either in cash or in kind.

Publication

The university reserves the right to publish the results.

The university reserves the right to publish any results that university personnel have been involved in producing.

Rights

The agreement can grant the commissioning party ownership of or far-reaching users’ rights to the results. The university reserves the right to use the results as part of its own continuing academic activities (research and education).

Ownership of results generated by the univer­sity reside with the researcher. Any transfer or licensing from the researcher is subject to remu­neration based on market value and separate agreements.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality in accordance with the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act 31 chap. 12 §

Confidentiality in accordance with the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act 24 chap. 5 §

Contract Research

Collaborative Research