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 Innovate UK 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 Innovate UK. 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 £75 000 per annum and each KTP is part-funded by the Innovate UK 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 Excellence Framework
- 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
Technologies, Disciplines and Subject Areas
Successful applications supported by Innovate UK 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.
Useful links
Guidance on KTPs by the UK government
Guidance onf KTPs by Innovate UK