Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are one of the longest standing schemes available to academics for industry collaboration.
This scheme sponsors partnerships between academics and companies to solve problems identified by the partner organisation, typically for two years.
A KTP associate is recruited to work with the organisation and is jointly supervised.
This scheme is funded by the Technology Strategy Board and is supported by most UK Research Councils.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships:
- facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the spread of technical and business
skills
- provide business-based training for graduates in order to enhance their commercial
and specialist skills
- stimulate and enhance business relevant research and teaching undertaken by the
knowledge base (the University)
How does KTP work?
A partnership is formed between a company and the University, and the collaboration
is supported by funding from the Technology Strategy Board. The collaboration is
centred on a project that is of strategic importance to the company. The project
involves a graduate known as a KTP associate to facilitate the transfer of
skills and expertise. The associate is employed by the University but for the
majority of the project works at the Company. The academic supervisor will
typically spend around 10% of their time providing academic supervision to the
associate.
What funding is available?
There is a budget of approximately £60 000 per annum and each KTP is part-funded by the Technology Strategy Board and in part by the company.
The budget covers a contribution to associate employment costs, academic
support, training, travel, equipment and consumables.
What are the benefits for academics?
- Start a strategic relationship with a company
- Income counts towards the Research Assessment Exercise
- Develop new teaching and research ideas
- Act as a mentor for postgraduates working on business-related projects
- Opportunity for young academics to gain supervision experience
- Publish high-quality research papers
- Apply knowledge and expertise to business problems
- Assist strategic change in business
What are the benefits for
companies?
- Start a strategic relationship with the University
- Access highly qualified people to spearhead new projects
- Access experts who can help take your business forward
- Develop innovative solutions to help your business grow
- Develop your company for today’s market
- Increase your competitive advantage
- Improve your performance/business operations
- Increase profitability
Who can participate?
- UK based companies of all sizes from all industrial sectors
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Education institutions (schools)
- Health organisations (hospitals and NHS Trusts)
Technologies, Disciplines and Subject Areas
Successful applications supported by the Technology Strategy Board will involve the transfer from the knowledge base (University) to businesses/organisations
of appropriate technology and/or knowledge areas not all of which are necessarily 'leading edge' technology.
The Board will continue to support KTPs in a broad range of knowledge exchange,
and is particularly keen to see an increase in projects in the areas that have
been defined as strategically important including Innovation Platforms, Key
Technology Areas (KTAs) and Key Application Areas (KAAs).
The Board encourages the engagement of Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) in
promoting and developing new KTP partnerships.
The Board has, so far, identified the following KAAs; Medicines and Healthcare,
Energy Generation and Supply, Transport, Environmental Sustainability, the Built
Environment, Creative Industries and High-value Services for which knowledge can
be transferred to UK business via KTP projects. The Board has identified the following KTAs; Advanced
Materials, Bioscience, Electronics, Photonics and Electrical Systems,
Nano-technology, High-value Manufacturing (which includes food processing) and
Information and Communication Technology.
What to do next
If you would like to discuss your ideas further, please contact:
Useful links
Knowledge Transfer
Partnerships FAQ’s
Case studies
http://www.ktponline.org.uk/
