Knowledge transfer for business/ not-for-profit
"As a result of a single KTP project lasting between one and three years, an average business benefits from an increase of over £220,000 in annual profits before tax, the creation of three genuine new jobs and an increase in skills of existing staff." www.ktponline.org.uk
If you have a strategic challenge which is central to the development of your organisation, but perhaps lack the skills or resources to address it, a knowledge transfer (KT) scheme may offer the solution.
Knowledge transfer schemes aim to improve the effectiveness of an organisation through collaboration with universities.
Whether you are a small business, a multinational or a voluntary/public sector organisation, KT is extremely cost-effective due to government contributions. To find out more, please contact our team who will be happy to advise you on eligibility and suggest the most appropriate source of support.
Benefits of knowledge transfer for your organisation
- Access qualified people and experts to lead new projects and help take your organisation forward.
- Develop innovative solutions to help your organisation grow.
- Increase your competitive advantage and profitability.
- Improve your performance/business operations.
- Particularly for not-for-profit organisations – to increase your impact and the significance of your work.
About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
KTPs is a very popular national knowledge transfer scheme where a skilled graduate (known as an Associate) is recruited into your organisation to work on a specific, strategically important project for up to three years. They will be supported by expert academic supervision.
The average turnover of Kingston University partner companies has grown by over 40% as a result of two-year KTPs.
- Can I run a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?
- How can I be sure that a KTP is right for me?
- How much will a KTP cost me?
- How long does it take?
- Wouldn't it be easier just to employ a graduate?
- How does it help us if the graduate (Associate) works for the University?
- What types of project can I run?
- What happens if the project aims change?
- What is my commitment to the project?
- Can I run more than one project?
- How much extra work is involved?
- What support will I get from Kingston University?
Can I run a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?
KTPs are open to both SMEs and large companies, subject to proving that you can support the project both financially and in terms of supervision. A project has to be commercially beneficial and this has to be clear from the outset.
How can I be sure that a KTP is right for me?
One of our expert team will meet you and discuss your organisation's needs. Our Knowledge Transfer managers can recommend a KTP or a range of other solutions available.
How much will a KTP cost me?
The cost to SMEs is 40% of project costs – typically just under £20,000 pa. A large company will pay 50% of costs, around £30 – 35,000 pa. Both of these include London weighting. You must cover indirect costs, management and supervisory effort, implementation, associated materials and equipment expenditure.
How long does it take?
From a first meeting, the lead time to submitting an application is between four and six weeks. Recruitment can start within a month of a successful submission. There are nine to 10 submission deadlines per year, with gaps over the summer and Christmas.
Partnerships can range in length from six months to three years. It is also possible to run two programmes concurrently; for example, a marketing project alongside a product development project.
Wouldn't it be easier just to employ a graduate?
The KTP Associate is employed by the University on behalf of your company, so you do not have an extra person on your payroll. The budget also includes allowances for travel, expenses and equipment, all subsidised by the grant.
How does it help us if the graduate (Associate) works for the University?
The Associate works in the company as a member of staff, keeping to company hours and regulations. 75% of graduates are offered permanent positions with their companies at the end of the project.
The project can also draw on University resources, including expertise from other departments, equipment and facilities and our extensive library and online databases.
What types of project can I run?
The type of project suitable for a KTP is:
- a strategic one, which has an impact on the company's growth or future success;
- something that would benefit from academic expertise; and
- a challenge that will stretch the graduate and offer them a chance to apply their knowledge.
Projects such as new product development, establishment of new operational processes, or development of new client services may be suitable for this type of assistance. Other examples could include the development of content for a museum exhibition or a web training programme to better identify mental health issues in children with complex needs.
What happens if the project aims change?
The steering group for a project can agree changes in objectives, provided that the main context of the project remains the same.
What is my commitment to the project?
If the project becomes unviable, you can withdraw at any stage giving one month's notice if the project has started, and a financial reconciliation will ensure that you only pay your contribution up to that point.
Can I run more than one project?
You need to have the manpower to support each Associate, but in principle an SME can have up to four projects in a five-year period.
How much extra work is involved?
We endeavour to take the burden of administrative work for the project, so that all you have to do is jointly oversee the graduate with the support of the academic supervisor.
What support will I get from Kingston University?
A member of the Kingston University Enterprise Support team, working alongside an appropriately qualified academic, will help you develop a project proposal which sets out clear aims, objectives and outcomes. KTPs may not be appropriate for small or start-up organisations if they do not have the resources to provide active management and financial support for the project.
When the proposal has been accepted by the funding body, the graduate is employed by the University to work in the company for approximately 90% of their time. The remaining time is spent on professional and personal development or training, which often brings added benefits to the project. The academic supervisor will spend approximately 10% of their time with the graduate to ensure knowledge is transferred. If appropriate, the graduate will also study for a higher degree.
Kingston University has been actively engaged with KT since 1992 and have facilitated approximately 90 long term partnerships, valued at more than £10 million.
