James Baker is CEO of Graphene@Manchester and has overseen the consolidation of the highest-density graphene research and innovation community in the world – comprising more than 350 experts across various disciplines, including physics, materials science, chemistry and neuroscience
Can you describe the key responsibilities of your role as CEO of Graphene@Manchester?
I lead on the business facing activities of graphene and 2D materials, including commercialisation working with industry on the delivery of products and applications. Includes delivery of facilities, projects and programmes.
What strategies or initiatives are you working on to lead the acceleration, application and commercialisation of graphene?
The setting of the NGI and Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) facilities in Manchester acting as accelerators and bridging the “valley of death” between industry and academia. The Manchester Model is the operating model for accelerated delivery of projects.
With your industry background, how do you see the role of collaboration between academia and industry in the development of graphene-based technologies and how do you manage such collaborations effectively?
It’s critical to achieve a better interface between industry and academia but following “market-pull/commercially lead” principles and following an “open-innovation” approach whilst respecting IP and confidentiality.
The opening of the GEIC is a significant milestone. Could you share some insights into the project management challenges and successes you’ve encountered during its development?
From building a £60m facility for the future through to delivery of a pipeline of opportunities to delivery of more than 500 projects with industry.
The Manchester Model includes a partnership scheme similar to the HVMC (Catapults) with T1 and T2 membership which allows flexible, agile project delivery
The GEIC will house leading industry expertise in collaboration with academics. How do you ensure a seamless integration of these diverse teams to work towards common project goals?
Partnership and collaboration is key and our membership scheme facilitates this.
Can you discuss the role of the GEIC in pilot production, material characterisation, and application development? How does project management play a role in ensuring these activities are aligned with the overall mission of Graphene@Manchester?
GEIC works with industry to create supply-chain and focus is on delivery of projects for material supply and scale-up as well as application development in composites, energy, coatings and membranes, inks and formulations/printing and construction applications and markets
You work with a wide range of companies and strategic partners. How do you maintain effective communication and coordination across these partnerships, especially in such a rapidly evolving field?
From individual meetings to community events and conferences, apply a ”fail fast and learn” approach to projects and supplement projects with “living labs” prototypes and de-risking projects.
James will be speaking at 10am on Stage One: https://www.project-challenge.com/
