THE question of collaboration between industry and academia is rarely out of the limelight, but now the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is asking how creative industries can benefit from closer links with it.

In a bid to answer the question, UHI and Inverness College UHI are presenting a seminar exploring the best way to foster future relationships between the university and business involved in the arts and creative industries.

Next Thursday’s seminar – What can the University of the Highlands and Islands do for your business? – will be led by Mark Sheridan, reader in music and creativity at UHI and chair of the university’s creative economy group.

He will be joined by Professor Keith McIntyre, academic lead developer in creative practice, Professor Chris O’Neil, principal of Inverness College UHI, and Stacey Toner and Darlene Russell of the university knowledge exchange creative economy hub.

The team will give presentations on services the university can offer to the local economy and the benefits which businesses can gain from having closer links to the institution.

“The arts and creative industries are a major driver in the economy of the Highlands and Islands and the university is keen to work with creative practitioners and businesses to nurture positive future partnerships,” said Sheridan.

“We are involving the local business and creative community in discussions on the best way to collaborate on new innovative ideas and projects to provide mutual benefits.”

The event follows a similar seminar in Shetland last month and will highlight the university’s previous work with creative economy-oriented businesses.

It will also feature a question and answer session with the presenters.