Question 1

What is Open Research Network?

Accepted Answer

Open Research Network is a two-sided marketplace that connects industry with research. Companies post research briefs and R&D challenges, while researchers and research teams showcase their projects and expertise for industry uptake.

Question 2

How does Open Research Network work for companies?

Accepted Answer

Companies create a profile and post a research brief describing their challenge or R&D need. Researchers on the platform can then respond, connect, and propose how they can help. It is free to browse and explore the network.

Question 3

How does Open Research Network work for researchers?

Accepted Answer

Researchers create a profile, showcase their current and past projects, and make their expertise visible to companies actively seeking research partners. You can also browse and respond to industry research briefs posted on the platform.

Question 4

What industries does Open Research Network serve?

Accepted Answer

Open Research Network is sector-agnostic. We connect industry and research across technology, health and biotech, energy and cleantech, manufacturing, finance, and every other sector. If your organisation has a research need, we can help you find the right partner.

Question 5

How is Open Research Network different from LinkedIn or ResearchGate?

Accepted Answer

Unlike LinkedIn, ORN is purpose-built for industry-research collaboration — not general networking. Unlike ResearchGate, ORN serves industry as a first-class user, allowing companies to post briefs and actively find research partners, not just browse academic papers.

Question 6

Is Open Research Network free to join?

Accepted Answer

You can join and browse the network for free. Visit the platform for current details on posting research briefs and premium features.

University of the Witwatersrand