This paper examines the nature of collaboration between research, teaching and practice by analysis of the first 2 years'' implementation of the Associate Company Scheme of the Centre for Facilities Management at the University of Strathclyde. This scheme comprises a partnership between the academic institution and its related industrial field, in which the institution will be provided with information on the research work which is sought by industry along with the data inputs required for completion of the research. The industrial partners are intended to benefit from the immediate availability of the results of the research for implementation in practice. Research undertaken for preparation of this paper indicates that there is a need for more than just commitment to the joint venture but for a particular commitment to the development of effective communications systems for the transfer of information across the divide between academia and practice.