University/industry co-operation in research

The author describes the experience of Bell-Northern in cooperative research with a number of universities. The research focuses on topics in technical communication, some of which are of immediate concern, while others are involved with developments for the future of the profession. The case is made for the critical need for research in technical communications and the value that it can provide. Different modes and models for cooperative research are described and examples are given of projects where these models have been applied. The benefits of cooperative research for both industry and universities are discussed. Finally, indications are given of opportunities for applying the powerful cooperative research tool