Bridge-building between learning and business

Feb 18 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A BUSINESSMAN has been appointed as Professor of Software Innovation to drive the growth of software industry in the North East.

Prof Charles Sellers hopes to build the sector by bringing technology companies and academics together in his new role at the University of Sunderland, which will see him work closely with Sunderland Software City (SSC).

He wants to ensure students have the backing and skills to help them become successful entrepreneurs, either setting up their own businesses or working in the software industry in the region. And he will spur the growth of the university’s Software Hatchery, which was set up last year to support students in developing their own software ventures.

Prof Sellers will also work with schools in the region to make them aware of the university’s role in developing enterprises and supporting the software sector and promote the university’s new MSc in Software Enterprise.

The 12-month course, developed with SSC, is aimed at students who are intending to start their own software enterprise, carries a Sunderland Software City Scholarship, and has bursaries available.

Prof Sellers will also play an active role in engaging with the regional business community to assess their requirements in terms of software development and marketing, to ensure that graduates have the skills to match the needs of prospective employers.

He said: “I’ll be looking at the whole process involved in developing software enterprise within the North East. There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise within our universities, however, companies often aren’t aware of the expertise that exists and I will be working with businesses to break down these perceived barriers.

“It’s important that the university asks what businesses want, rather than assuming what they need, and that will be a key priority for my colleagues and I.”

Prof Sellers has spent more than 30 years in industry both in the UK and overseas and most recently he worked as a business consultant for Fusion International, earning a reputation in change management and, more specifically, introducing ICT systems to improve business growth through process change and supply change management.

Prof Sellers said: “I’m passionate about technology and its role in driving innovation within business and I am keen to ensure that the graduates of today become the enterprise and business leaders of tomorrow.”

Bernie Callaghan, chief executive officer of SSC, said: “This appointment is central to driving forward the enterprise agenda for the software industry in the North East, and improving the process of matching businesses to high-quality employees.

“Charles will perform a key role in ensuring that software businesses can engage with our universities with confidence. His commercial background will ensure that he can connect in a meaningful way, and increase the level of understanding of the quality of support and assistance that universities can offer.”