Traditionally, most science and technology companies have reasonably
good links to academic research in their field, either directly, or via a
research and technology organisation of a trade association.
Similarly, there is often a very good relationship with partner companies
through supply chain relationships.
However, there is enormous scope for technology transfer and
collaboration with companies operating in non-competitive sectors both for:
a)
exchange of industrially proven and established knowledge and
technology developed in one sector applied in a non- competitive sector
b)
sharing of cost and risk by collaborative support of research to
develop new technology in joint R&D activity 
