The Knowledge Transfer Centre have been very busy of late. Not only have we been winning awards for our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, we have also been talking with our academic colleagues about their experiences collaborating with industry on innovative KTP projects at a university-wide webinar. In this blog we want to share a little more about what KTPs are all about, and most importantly, what they could do for you.

What are KTPs?

For over 45 years KTPs have been delivering successful partnerships between UK businesses (inc. not for profit organisations) and academia through a collaborative grant supported by UKRI. These strategic innovation projects have led to the development of novel products, systems and services which have enhanced academic expertise, allowed the application of existing research in a commercial, real world setting and transformed UK businesses. KTPs are managed by a KTP Associate, a graduate with the aptitude to balance an academically challenging project in a commercial environment. The Associate plays a vital role in the partnership and is the lynchpin facilitating knowledge transfer between the academic and business partner.

A Collaboration which delivers benefits for all

So why should you get involved in KTP? KTP funding comes from UKRI and is a valuable source of research income. The relationship you build with the business can flourish, leading onto further projects and funding opportunities. Many KTP collaborations at Reading have gone on to do second or even third KTPs or have been successful in securing other research funding. KTPs offer you the chance to apply your existing research in new and innovative ways. By working closely with industry, you can understand their current and upcoming challenges, giving a unique insight into how you might tailor your future research. KTPs lead to publications, contribute to the REF through impact case studies and help build and enhance teaching & research portfolios. With a 98% chance of securing funding*, how could you say no? If you need a bit more convincing, then it might also interest you to know that the KTP Associate, and business partner also benefit significantly. The Associate is embedded in the workplace and has the exceptional opportunity to lead and manage a commercial project whilst maintaining and developing their academic skills. They also have a strong chance of securing a role at the end of the project with around 70% of Associates staying with the host company beyond the project. The business can benefit greatly from these projects by not only embedding expertise, generating new knowledge, and driving innovation but also increasing revenue, productivity and expanding their capability.

The Role of the KTC

If you are interested in developing a KTP with a collaborator, we (the Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC)) will be there to support you at every step. We offer advice and guidance through the entire application process, both pre and post award including grant application writing assistance, HR, Finance and Administrative support. We also offer ad hoc support during the project; attend steering committee meetings and help secure additional KTP or alternative research funding wherever appropriate.

We are not just about KTPs at the KTC, however. We can offer similar guidance and assistance for other Innovate UK funding schemes and a further variety of bespoke support that allows for collaboration between academic and non-academic partners. In a previous blog we provide an overview of the type of support the KTC can offer.

To explore what the KTC can do to help your collaborations with industry, please contact us .

*Current UoR success rate for KTP submission, National success rate 80%