Framework F043: Build a Work Plan for your Research Collaboration(Research-Industry Partnerships)

Move from agreement to aligned execution with a structured collaboration framework that defines tasks, roles, and decision-making

A shared vision is just the beginning — without operational clarity, most research–industry collaborations lose momentum. Execution suffers when there’s no clear plan, no ownership, and no pathway for resolving friction.

This framework turns intent into impact. It provides a step-by-step collaboration planning guide that defines workstreams, assigns responsibilities, establishes governance models, and builds communication systems that support collaborative innovation at scale​.

What You Will Achieve With This Framework

✔ Develop a clear, co-created joint work plan with timelines, tasks, and deliverables​
✔ Assign workstream leads and liaison roles to maintain alignment and accountability
✔ Establish a shared reporting and communication cadence using dashboards and trackers
✔ Set up structured governance and decision-making models to handle issues and changes​
✔ Document everything in an accessible, updateable collaboration playbook

Who This Is For

  • Academic labs and institutions launching joint programs with companies

  • Startups and corporates engaged in co-development or joint R&D

  • Innovation consortia funded by public-private grants

  • Project managers needing formal governance structures in research alliances

When to Use It

Use this framework when:

  • You’ve secured agreement or funding and are transitioning to delivery

  • You need to define roles and responsibilities across partners

  • You’re coordinating work across time zones, cultures, or organizational styles

  • You want consistent progress without micromanagement

What This Framework Replaces

✘ Confusion over who owns what
✘ Missed milestones from unclear accountability
✘ Decision-making delays with no escalation pathways
✘ “Silent failure” due to lack of communication cadence

How It Fits Into Your Innovation Process

Use this after initial partner alignment and before full execution. It operationalizes collaboration and gives both partners confidence in delivery and accountability.

Framework Sections

1. From Agreement to Execution: The role of work plans and governance in R&D partnerships​

2. Work Plan Components:

  • Workstreams, tasks, deliverables

  • Milestones aligned with TRL stages

  • Assigned leads for each stream​

3. Governance Model Design:

  • Decision-making structure

  • Escalation protocols

  • Review and adaptation checkpoints​

4. Communication Systems:

  • Weekly or monthly reviews

  • Shared dashboards and tools

  • Reporting rules for risks and KPIs​

5. Documentation & Accessibility:

  • Shared Notion or Google Docs for real-time collaboration

  • Sign-off protocols and update schedule​

6. Industry Use Cases: From fintech and biotech to cleantech and health tech