What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a programme designed to help businesses in the UK innovate and grow, by partnering businesses with academics and researchers to share insight, research, technology and skills.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been running for the past 40 years and not only supports business, but also helps grow the UK knowledge base through funded partnerships.
How does it work?
Through shared knowledge a KTP enables a business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver specific, strategic innovation projects. It does this by partnering a business with a suitable academic or research organisation.
The academic partner (known as the Knowledge Base) helps develop the project, providing academic input and recruiting a suitable graduate, known as an associate.
Each KTP can last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the project and business needs and all are a 3-way partnership between:
- A UK-based business of any size or a not-for-profit organisation (including social enterprises and charities)
- A knowledge base. This could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult in the UK
- A suitably-qualified graduate, with the capability to lead a strategic business project
How would a KTP help my business?
By participating in a KTP you can access academic expertise that doesn’t currently exist within your business. This will improve your business processes and performance, helping you to become more competitive and productive.
How much does a KTP cost?
The amount you will need to contribute depends on the scale and length of the project. Each KTP is a part-funded grant but you will need to contribute to the overall cost of the project. The size of your business also affects the amount you will need to pay. 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
If you’d like to hear more about KTP’s and how SVGC uses them to deliver complex, strategic projects, get in touch. We’re always happy to have a chat.
