The launch of the 2011 Research and Knowledge Exchange (RAKE) fund initiative was announced at a dedicated workship on Wednesday, April 13th. During the workshop, the themes informing the 2011 call for bids were announced, the aims and objectives of the fund outlined, the application process described and there was exploration of how to construct a strong application. There was a short presentation from a current fund holder and finally, a Q&A session.
The RAKE Fund, sponsored by Barclays, Economic and Social Research Council and National Council Graduate Entrepreneurship, launched in 2009 and has so far financed nine research projects.
The fund was created with the aim of assisting the exploration of issues, challenges and opportunities surrounding entrepreneurial activities and small firm performance and to encourage and promote cutting-edge research which is relevant to both the development of policy and practice.