A better understanding of existing knowledge and research undertaken by others can lead to alternative ways of delivering solutions, saving time and cost.

Saving time and reducing cost

A solution may not always need a project. RSSB has a range of knowledge searching and sharing services so that the time and effort involved in a dedicated research project might be saved. To support all these To support all these activities, RSSB is developing SPARK: a web tool for the rail industry to share and find key information and help innovation. SPARK helps us to understand what we know and who knows it and creates opportunities for networking and cooperation. 

Knowledge and Technology Transfer Services

These aim to maximise the opportunities for the GB railway industry to benefit from technology developments in other industries and countries. The services:

• Identify what is known on a given subject
• Analyse applicability and opportunity for transfer of existing knowledge to GB rail
• Actively monitor technological developments
• Match knowledge with issues and opportunities identified by industry

Knowledge Sharing Partnerships

To minimise duplication and increase cooperation, RSSB seeks knowledge sharing partnerships with other organisations which run programmes of research. This gives us access to knowledge about what has
been done or is being planned elsewhere, that is not always publicly available, and can lead to collaborative
research.

Rail Research UK Association

Recognising the potential contribution that the academic community can make to rail innovation, the industry
actively engages with the university sector. RSSB and Network Rail co-fund RRUK-A as a bridge between
industry and academia which brings together those who do research with those who can use and fund it.