Case Study : Historico – an example of a university consulting business
This case study is provided as an example of the consulting pathway as outlined in Topic 2, Subtopic 2.2
Case study description
| Key inventor |
Dr Geoff Ginn |
| Innovation |
Packaged consulting services for the heritage sector |
| Institution |
The University of Queensland, Arts Faculty, School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classicsy |
| Commercialisation model |
Internal consulting business |
| Established |
2002 |
Historico was developed by Dr Geoff Ginn, Director of the Centre for Applied History and Heritage Studies in the Faculty of Arts at UQ, to provide packaged consulting expertise for the heritage studies sector. Heritage services are particularly required for planning studies and assessments commissioned for major capital works project is undertaken. Heritage assessments frequently form part of an Environmental Impact Study completed prior to project approval and reported against during the course of a development.
Historico was established as a trading name of UniQuest to create a business that provided expert services while also helping to training future professional historians. UniQuest put in place administrative processes to simplify Historico's client contracts and to streamline the delivery of services. In addition Historico began employing postgraduate students as field and desk researchers.
Undertaking all work at industry-standard and professional fee rates, Historico has completed more than 40 consulting contracts worth $150,000. Projects ranged from road works such as the Brisbane North-South Tunnel and Gateway Bridge duplication projects to archaeological surveys and excavations to major development projects. Experience and training also has been provided to more than a dozen postgraduate students.
Case study commentary
Historico is a great example of commercialisation in the Arts. Based on the consulting pathway, a business has been created around the unique skills and expertise of historians. In the process, the business is being used as a vehicle for training postgraduate students and generating an additional stream of funding for research.
Lessons learned
Key points to be taken from this case study include:
- Commercialisation is not limited to creating new pharmaceutical drugs, software or devices
- The consulting pathway can be taken to form a new business
- Unique skills and expertise have potential value in the marketplace
Modules