Types of KTP projects
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can be delivered in any sector the university has relevant expertise in and can last anything from 12-36 months, depending on the complexity of the project.
The programme must be strategically important, have a significant impact on company performance and be dependent on the transfer of knowledge from the university.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership project can involve:
- Refining existing products, or designing new products.
- Opening new markets for new or existing products.
- Improving business, marketing or manufacturing systems.
- Cutting costs and waste to run the business more efficiently.
Am I eligible?
Companies and organisations from a range of sectors (including the third sector) are eligible.
Applications from SMEs* are particularly encouraged; large companies should demonstrate that knowledge will be transferred to SMEs in their supply chain.
To be eligible, the company should have:
- The infrastructure to support the KTP Associate and the project
- Been running for at least two years
The company will need to supply the last two year’s audited accounts and latest period management accounts. These form part of the funding application, demonstrating that the company can afford their contribution to a KTP.
*An SME is a company with not more than 250 employees. Turnover and balance sheet total may also be assessed. Where a company is part of a group, the total number of employees will be calculated to assess SME status.
How are KTPs run?
The KTP Associate has a supervisor from the company, who acts as their line manager and the academic team visit the company regularly to contribute to the project.
An academic supervisor commits, on average, half a day per week to the project during the KTP and project management meetings between the KTP Associate and the supervisory team are held monthly.
The local management committee (the KTP Associate, managing director, company supervisors, academic supervisors and KTP adviser) meet every four months to review the project and finances. These are formal meetings where the KTP Associate is expected to give a presentation.