Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is Europe's leading programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.
- Enables small and medium sized business (SMEs) to work with high calibre graduates on specific projects.
- Focuses on innovative projects central to the strategic growth and development of the company.
Knowlege Transfer Partnerships are supervised by staff from both the business and the University, and implemented by high calibre graduates (or Associates).
How do 'Knowlege Transfer Partnerships' work?
- The graduate is employed by the University for the duration of the partnership but is based full-time at the company. An academic team (minimum one Academic supervisor and one Academic Advisor) supervises the graduate.
- Each Partnership may involve one or more Associates, and can last between 12 to 36 months.
What is the Level of Funding?
- A government grant of up to 60% is provided to support the technology transfer withing this partnership. Typically this is £33,522 for a 12-months partnership.
- The funding contributes to the employment cost of the graduate, academic input, training and travel costs.
Benefits to Academics
- Industrial Exposure - By working on real business issues in a commercial environment, you can maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the latest business thinking, methods and technical innovations.
- Teaching Support Material - Projects provide material to support both your undergraduate and postgraduate teaching through case studies, design exercises and placement opportunities.
- Research Support Material - Graduates employed on projects often register for higher degrees and produce research papers for refereed journals in partnership with their academic supervisors.
- Academic Support and Overheads - Knowledge Transfer Partnerships also brings funds into the university, the management and distribution of which are entirely at the discretion of the institution.
Benefits to Companies
- Unlock a company's potential by identifying and facilitating key areas of potential growth, such as new products, markets, and processes.
- Dedicated additional resources to help the company achieve this, with full support and guidance throughout the Programme.
- Provide the company with the opportunity to exploit the latest business thinking. It also provides access to the latest technology and ideas in specialist fields.
- The creation of increased competitiveness and financial benefit for the company involved.
Benefits to Graduate
- A challenging two year industry-based project working with senior management at the company.
- Salaries commensurate with responsibility.
- Ongoing regular input from academic experts.
- Time and financial support to pursue a flexible training programme of personal and professional development.
- Excellent employment prospects on completion of project.
- The opportunity to register for a higher degree.
Visit the DTI's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Website:
