Educating the Science-Business Professional

This article is concerned with the emergence of the science-business (SB) profession and the role of the SB professional (SBP) in both academia and business. Transferring science to markets can take a variety of routes depending on the stage of development and the people and skill sets involved. An SBP may co-develop opportunities for exploitation as part of a team in a university or in the business world in a spin-off or a mature company. In both settings, the SBP connects with scientists and co-develops knowledge or technology into an exploitable commodity. The need for this type of professional was the starting point for a new curriculum: a 3-year bachelor's programme in science, business and innovation that integrates fundamental sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics), life and health sciences, energy and sustainability sciences, business/social sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship. The authors provide the context and rationale for the development of the programme and discuss how it meets its objective to address a critical skills need in both academic and business sectors.