This continuous influx of new projects not only drives the department’s growth but also positions NC as a key player in fostering industry partnerships, advancing innovation, and creating meaningful real-world impact. From my perspective, here are some key reasons why maintaining a steady flow of projects is essential for both the college and those invested as innovation partners.

Ongoing project intake is fundamental for ensuring that our research and innovation efforts stay relevant to current industry needs. As a Business Development Coordinator, I’ve seen firsthand how the industries we collaborate with are constantly evolving—whether it’s in food science, advanced manufacturing, or agri-tech, to name a few. New challenges arise, and businesses require solutions that are both innovative and practical. Regular intake allows us to be flexible and responsive to these shifting needs, ensuring that NC’s research is always aligned with what’s happening in the real world. This agility is key to maintaining the College’s competitive edge and reputation for being at the forefront of applied research.

A constant intake of projects keeps us connected to local, regional, and national industries. Each new project represents a fresh opportunity to build relationships with small- and medium-sized businesses, government entities, and other academic institutions. These partnerships are at the heart of what we do in R&I—they not only provide funding and resources but also allow us to create tangible solutions to industry-specific challenges. Over my first year, I’ve come to understand that these collaborations are vital for demonstrating the practical value of our work. They show our industry partners that we’re invested in their success and committed to delivering timely results that matter to their businesses.

One of the most rewarding aspects of ongoing project intake is the ability to involve students in real-world research. In my role, I’ve seen how projects provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Whether through co-op placements, mentorships or collaborative research projects, students gain hands-on experience that helps them develop industry-specific skills. This creates a mutually beneficial environment: students get exposure to practical challenges and the industry gets fresh ideas and solutions from the next generation of talent. For the College, it’s a win-win situation that strengthens our ties to the local workforce while enhancing our educational offerings.

From a business development perspective, regular project intake is key to securing ongoing funding and revenue streams. The more projects we undertake, the more diverse our funding sources become. Additionally, this influx of projects helps sustain the R&I division by ensuring we can continue to invest in cutting-edge research, facilities, and resources. For example, when we secure a partnership on a research initiative, it often leads to further collaborations and opens doors to new funding programs. As a new coordinator, I’ve learned that the ability to maintain a pipeline of projects ensures the financial sustainability and growth of the R&I division.

Ongoing project intake helps solidify NC’s position as an innovation hub in both local and global contexts. As a coordinator, I’ve quickly understood the importance of showcasing our strengths and building a reputation for excellence. Every new project that we bring on board increases our visibility within various industries and highlights the College’s capacity for producing innovative, impactful research. By continuously engaging with the latest trends and challenges, we position ourselves as a trusted partner for businesses and government agencies looking for innovative solutions. This strengthens the College’s brand and attracts further opportunities for collaboration and investment. In other words, ongoing also means cyclical.

Ultimately, the importance of ongoing project intake is tied to the long-term success of the R&I as we build a sustainable framework for research, fostering deep relationships with industry partners, creating opportunities for students, and ensuring that the College continues to grow. The continuity of projects is essential for driving progress in applied research while meeting the educational and professional development needs of students, faculty, and businesses alike.

It fosters industry collaboration, supports financial sustainability, creates opportunities for students, and ensures that the College remains a hub of innovation. The continuous flow of projects allows us to stay relevant, agile, and proactive in addressing the ever-changing needs of our partners and the broader community. As I continue in my role, I look forward to seeing how this process drives even greater impact, both for NC and the industries we serve.