BT has a long history of collaboration with Cambridge University on a range of research and technology projects, and is a major commercial sponsor of the Cambridge-MIT Institute. In 2002, the company signed a strategic agreement with the University and joined the Corporate Partnership Programme at Pembroke College.
In the last five years, BT, Pembroke and the University have worked together to develop research collaborations and consultancy projects, with BT providing recruitment and placement opportunities for many Cambridge students. Interaction has been encouraged between a broad cross-section of academics and BT staff, spanning all BT lines of business and involving academics from Cambridge departments including the Computer Laboratory, Physics, Engineering, Economics, Social Anthropology, Philosophy and the Judge Business School.
Matt Bross said: “I am deeply honoured to be admitted as a William Pitt Fellow. I firmly believe that innovation is the life-blood of any successful company - the relationship we have with Pembroke College and Cambridge University demonstrates the value of our open innovation strategy, allowing us to foster a real innovation culture at the heart of BT.”
Sir Richard Dearlove, Master of Pembroke College said: “Of course, it is a pleasure to welcome someone of Matt’s experience to Pembroke as a William Pitt Fellow. Our relationship with BT continues to grow and we view it as one of our most successful collaborations with business. In particular, the tripartite approach in which BT interfaces with collegiate Cambridge, via links with Pembroke College, the Judge Business School and the Partnership Development Group, demonstrates a unique way of fostering links between industry and academia. Without question, our relationship with BT has been highly beneficial for all the parties involved.”