Get the Knowledge!
Find out how to improve your business' competitiveness and productivity through funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with academics and researchers.
What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership?
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme helps businesses in the UK to innovate and grow. It does this by linking them with an academic or research organisation and a graduate. A KTP enables a business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project through a knowledge-based partnership.
The academic or research organisation partner will help to recruit a suitable graduate, known as an Associate. They will act as the employer of the graduate, who then works at the company for the duration. The scheme can last between 12 and 36 months, depending on what the project is and the needs of the business.
Who can take part
Each KTP is a 3-way partnership between:
· a UK-based business of any size or a not-for-profit organisation
· an academic or research organisation. This could be a university, college or research and technology organisation in the UK
· a suitably-qualified graduate, with the capability to lead a strategic business project
KTP for businesses
Taking part in a KTP can help you to develop your business. You can get academic expertise that you don’t have in-house. This can improve your business performance and help you to become more competitive and productive.
A KTP is part-funded by a grant. You will need to contribute to the salary of the Associate who will work with your business, plus the cost of a supervisor who will oversee the scheme. The amount you will need to contribute depends on the scale and length of the project. It will also depend on the size of your company.
Typically:
· small and medium-sized enterprises contribute around £35,000 per year, about one-third of the project costs
· large businesses contribute around £55,000 per year, or half of the project costs
How to apply
There are 2 main routes to applying for a KTP as a business.
Via a Knowledge Transfer Adviser
If you’re interested in taking part in a KTP but don’t already have a university partner, you should contact your local Knowledge Transfer Adviser. They will:
· check the feasibility of your idea and tell you if it is suitable
· find the right academic or researcher to work on your project
Via the academic or research organisation
If you already have a partnership with an academic or research organisation or know who you would like to work with on a KTP, you should go via that organisation’s KTP office.
Submitting an application
A KTP application must be completed jointly by the prospective business and the academic or research organisation partner, with the agreement of a Knowledge Transfer Adviser. It should include information about each of the participants, their objectives, the proposed tasks and deliverables for the Associate. The completed application should be submitted by the academic or research organisation. They will have access to a KTP applicants site where they will be able to do this.
What happens after you apply
Applications are assessed by an independent group of assessors. You will normally be notified of the outcome within 12 weeks or less of application. If your partnership is successful you will be notified by your KT Adviser in the first instance. You will then receive a formal grant offer letter. Once accepted this marks the point at which you can begin to recruit an Associate. Recruitment should be undertaken jointly by the academic organisation and business partner. The Associate’s contract of employment will be with the academic organisation. You must recruit the most appropriate Associate for the work. Your Knowledge Transfer Adviser or KTP office can advise.
Upcoming dates and deadlines
3 October 2019 - 11 December 2019
12 December 2019 BEIS mKTP only - 19 February 2020 BEIS mKTP only
12 December 2019 - 4 March 2020
KTP Advisers - South West Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Exeter
Andy Treen - 01647 252 618 or 07584 705 411 - [email protected]
KTP regional office Cornwall College
Allyson Glover - 01209 617 664 - [email protected]
