Over the next three generations of HighWire (that is five separate cohorts of which two are currently present) HighWire researchers will through their industry facing approaches to innovation develop an evermore insightful viewpoint on this debate. Situated between academia and industry partners HighWire researchers occupy the perfect middlespace.

HighWire as a platform is an interesting space within which to navigate the barriers between industry and academic. Being footed on both sides exposes HighWirees to the nuances, politics, trials and tribulations of both sides. This unique position has to date raised tensions within the cohort and has presented both opportunity and problems in longer term projects.

HighWire students are placed in a SME in their first semester of the Masters in Research, here, students participate in a quick and dirty project determined by their research interests but also the interests of the SME concerned. It is interesting to observe the students during this time, as they are required to fulfil the needs of not only the SME but also academic requirements which do not necessarily form a coherent point of departure. Herein lies the greatest challenge for a HighWiree.

Academia by its nature requires fulfillment of academic criteria, academic success and ultimately passing, while working within an innovation space (as many of the projects required) requires use of a different language, process and goals, risk taking and ultimately potential failure.

But while this process can be problematic it has been noted through HighWire that this middlespace can at times create the ‘perfect storm’ for innovative outcomes.  Learning how to successfully navigate such a divide will surely then be the strength of the emergent HighWire researchers.

Academia has much to learn from industry, and industry has much to learn from academia.

John Maeda & Becky Bermont add to this debate