Funding for Short KTPs (*) is again available following a review last year. As the name suggest they are shorter and smaller versions of the well established Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme; which has successfully funded joint industry-academic development work in the UK for nearly 30 years. http://www.ktpcentre.com/
Europe’s leading programme helping business to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge-base. KTP is funded by the Technology Strategy Board with 17 other funding organisations. KTPs involve the forming of a partnership between a company and a university; enabling the company to access skills and expertise to help it undertake strategic growth projects. Each partnership employs one or more high calibre Associates (a recently qualified graduate) to facilitate this transfer of skills and expertise. The Associate works within the company on a project central to its needs and is jointly supervised by company personnel and a senior academic.
*Short KTP - projects may be stand alone lead to, run in parallel with, or follow on from a traditional KTP. Companies that are eligible are micro businesses, SMEs and large companies. This includes large enterprises, third sector organisations, and some public sector organisations. Project duration must now be a minimum of 26 to maximum 51 weeks of full time effort.
Whatever the type of KTP – the work will provide resources and expertise to thriving organisations that wish to innovate, expand or improve their performance. It is a cost effective way to help your organisation:
· Access additional technological, scientific or management expertise that can help take your business forward.
· Access highly qualified people to spearhead new projects.
· Develop innovative solutions to help your business grow.
· Access valuable equipment and facilities.
· Develop your business for today’s market.
KTP often delivers significant increased profitability for business partners as a direct result of the partnership through improved quality and operations, increased sales and access to new markets.
Government funding for each KTP is provided by means of a grant to the participating university and a contribution from the company. Typically KTPs with SMEs, receive a grant for 67% of eligible project costs. Large companies or groups typically receive a 50% grant. Each project is different as it is tailored to suit the business and their needs. Consequently the costs to a business can vary. As a guide, for a project with a typical SME, the annual cost to the business will vary from £20,000 to £25,000. The largest part of the costs of a partnership is the employment cost of the KTP Associate(s) and the cost of staff from the university who are directly involved in the partnership. The remainder includes provision for equipment and travel costs, the university’s indirect and administrative costs and costs associated with the professional development of the Associate(s).
Further information from
Tel: +44(0)131 455 2831 Mr Alastair Stupart, FPRI Assistant Director
a.stupart@napier.ac.uk