Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Mental Health
Date Submitted: May 29, 2025
Date Accepted: Aug 24, 2025
Principles of Industry-Academic Partnerships (PIP): A Framework Informed by Digital Mental Health Collaboration
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Mental health disorders present a growing public health challenge, requiring innovative interventions. Industry-academic partnerships play a vital role in advancing research and developing mental health solutions, yet differing priorities and perspectives can make collaboration complex.
Objective:
Objective:
This study aimed to identify key principles to support effective industry-academic partnerships and develop this into actionable guidance.
Methods:
Methods:
Using a three-stage, mixed-methods approach, we conducted an online survey of UK-based digital mental health companies (n=22) to identify key barriers and facilitators to industry-academic partnerships. This was followed by two focus groups (n=5) which explored emerging themes from the survey using thematic analysis. Finally, we conducted a workshop with industry representatives, researchers, clinicians, and patient and public involvement (PPI) members to co-develop the Principles of Industry-Academic Partnerships (PIP) guidance.
Results:
Results:
Survey findings highlighted that industry partners valued academic collaboration for enhancing credibility, facilitating knowledge transfer and gaining access to PPI networks. However, key barriers included high costs, slow academic timelines, and complex contracting processes. The four major themes that emerged from the focus groups were: advantages of collaboration, cultural differences between organisations, collaboration models, and structural barriers within universities. Through informed discussions in the workshop, these themes were explored, leading to the development of 14 actionable strategies. These strategies formed the PIP guidance and were categorised under Project Initiation, Defining the Scope and Agreements, Project Execution, and Promoting Sustainability.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
The PIP guidance is designed to facilitate more effective and mutually beneficial industry-academic collaborations, with the goal of strengthening mental health research in the UK. Whilst industry partners valued academic collaborations for their credibility and scientific rigour, universities must address the structural and cultural barriers that persist. By aligning expectations and timelines, adopting more flexible collaboration models, and streamlining operational processes, both parties can foster effective, impactful and sustainable partnerships in mental health research. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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