How MSI Helps Universities Shape Strategy, Build Partnerships, & Deliver Real-World Impact

Universities today are operating in a rapidly evolving global environment. From the pressure to demonstrate societal impact to the need to commercialise research, strengthen partnerships, and build international visibility, institutions face complex challenges. To navigate these opportunities and risks effectively, universities increasingly rely on evidence-based insights and strategic guidance.

Market Scoping International (MSI) partners with universities and research institutes to deliver this insight. Across disciplines and geographies, MSI supports academic institutions in translating research into impact, developing governance structures, benchmarking best practice, and creating actionable strategies that advance their mission.

Here, we showcase five recent projects demonstrating MSI’s diverse work with the academic sector.

1. Benchmarking Global Models for Innovation Cluster Governance

Project: Cluster Benchmarking Review & Report

MSI conducted an exploratory study of innovation cluster governance to guide a proposed University animal health cluster initiative. Activities included:

• Mapping governance, funding, and membership models of domestic and international clusters
• Interviews with leaders from clusters such as Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, The Roslin Institute, and Agri-EPI Centre
• Analysis of clusters with a focus on data-sharing and digital innovation

The resulting report provided strategic recommendations and best-practice, giving the University a robust basis for establishing an effective, data-driven innovation cluster.

2. Defining Strategic Priorities for a proposed animal health cluster

Project: Stakeholder Interviews & Asset Mapping

Following the previous benchmarking study, MSI was commissioned to support the launch of the animal health cluster by engaging core stakeholders from government and academic institutions and the private sector. MSI conducted:

• In-depth stakeholder interviews to align the proposed cluster with partners’ strategic goals
• Asset mapping to identify facilities, expertise, and consultancy services available
• Analysis of talent pipelines and collaboration opportunities

The project culminated in a comprehensive report and presentation for the Steering Group, providing the foundation for the network’s strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and operational structure.

3. Membership Model study for a new Institute for Sustainability

Project: Institute for Sustainability Membership Model Benchlearning and Best Practice Research

As part of the launch of a University’s new Institute for Sustainability, MSI investigated how academic and independent institutes structure membership models to attract international students, research fellows, and external partners. MSI conducted:

• Desk research profiling 50+ institutes and organisations globally
• Depth interviews with six selected institutes, in the UK and internationally
• Analysis of membership motivations, fees, benefits, engagement practices, and evolution over time

This research provided evidence-based recommendations to inform the Institute’s membership strategy and stakeholder engagement plans. The project laid the groundwork for a membership-based, collaborative, sustainability institute capable of global impact.

4. Benchmarking Best Practice for AI Research Institutes

Project: Benchlearning Study for a new Institute for Artificial Intelligence

MSI supported a University’s new institute for Artificial Intelligence in understanding global best practice for AI institutes. Key steps included:

• Desk research on 77 AI institutes worldwide, narrowed to a shortlist of 53
• Development of a structured discussion guide for depth interviews
• 19 depth interviews with leading UK and international AI institutes
• Collation and analysis of governance, funding, membership, teaching, and external engagement practices

MSI’s insights helped the Institute define its strategic positioning prior to launch.

5. Creating a Route-to-Impact Strategy for Clean Air Research

Project: Route-to-Impact Strategy for Research into indoor air pollution

MSI worked with a research team to develop a strategy to ensure that the guidance they had developed on indoor air pollution reached target stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries. MSI’s approach included:

• Scoping the guidance document
• Opportunity analysis and benchlearning on research impact
• Stakeholder profiling of home occupants, builders, local councils, and international organisations / NGOs
• Detailed country-level analysis for three low-middle income countries
• The development of a strategy and targeted recommendations for each country to ensure both dissemination and impact.

The resulting strategy equipped our client to deliver long-term, measurable impact beyond academic dissemination.

Driving Insight, Strategy, and Impact Across the Academic Sector

MSI’s work within the academic sector spans disciplines and geographies. We work with universities to:

• Map global innovation ecosystems
• Design governance and membership structures
• Identify strategic opportunities for research and collaboration
• Develop actionable routes to research impact
• Support evidence-based decision-making in complex academic environments
  
  

By combining rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and practical recommendations, MSI helps universities translate insight into real-world impact, strengthen partnerships, and navigate the evolving higher education landscape with confidence.