Advising organisations on the protection and commercialisation of their intellectual property

From 1995 to 2003 Richard was responsible for the commercialisation of inventions from Macquarie University. This involved negotiation of licences with local and multi-national companies, in lasers, proteomics, detection of pathogens, and various software developments. In addition he was involved in negotiating the formation of start-up companies.

Facilitating industry cluster development

Richard has managed two large Commonwealth Government funded technology diffusion projects, one involved in assisting SMEs to export and the other, the establishment of the Australian Microelectronics Network which aims to encourage Australian industry to value add its products through the use of microelectronics. He is a member of The Competitiveness Institute [world body for cluster professionals].

He has been a member of the Sutherland Shire Council's Economic Development Committee [EDC] and involved in the establishment of a Business Incubator, a Shire Business Centre and currently is facilitating the formation of a marine industry cluster at Taren Point in Sydney.

Tender and proposal management

At both university commercial arms he was actively involved in assembling teams for bidding for large projects from AusAID, the Asian Development Bank, the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources and State Government Departments and had a good success rate.

Development of Business Plans

Richard has prepared business plans for University projects and assisted academics in developing their own business plans.

Project management

In his 15 years in University businesses Richard was responsible for the management of more than 15,000 research and consulting projects utilising university academics and external consultants [including more than 10,000 expert witness projects for legal firms].

Experienced Company Director

Richard completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Company Directors course in 1996. He was a Director of Macquarie Research Ltd from 1999 to 2003. As a Director of TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd [TGR], Australian Microelectronics Network Ltd [AMN] and Australian Proteome Analysis Facility Ltd [APAF] he was involved in the establishment of the three companies. This involved inter alia, developing the Constitution, corporate governance procedures, and setting up appropriate Board committees.