Businesses – Unlock your potential through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

What is KTP?
KTP is a Government scheme which has been running for over 25 years which helps companies access the knowledge and skills within the UK's 'knowledge base' (universities, colleges, independent research and technology organisations, and Government-funded research institutes).

Small and medium-sized businesses with the potential to grow can participate in KTP and take advantage of:
 
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 The expertise of academics and researchers in a higher education institution or research based organisation
 
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 The knowledge and skills of a graduate working on a project central to the needs of the company

Small and medium-sized businesses in most sectors (services and manufacturing) and in all areas of the UK are:-
 
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 Improving product design
 
•
 Improving their manufacturing process
 
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 Improving quality
 
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 Reducing costs
 
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 Finding new markets
 
•
 Increasing sales
through participating in KTP.

The aim of KTP is:
    To strengthen the competitiveness and wealth creation of the UK by the stimulation of innovation in industry through collaborative partnerships between the science, engineering and technology base (i.e. the University) and industry.

and the Objectives of KTP are:
 
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 To facilitate the transfer of technology and the spread of technical and management skills and encourage industrial investment in training, research and development
 
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 To provide industry based training, supervised jointly by personnel in the science, engineering and technology base and in business, for high calibre graduates intending to pursue a career in industry
 
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 To enhance the levels of research and training in the science, engineering and technology base that is relevant to business by stimulating collaborative research and development projects and forging lasting partnerships between the science, engineering and technology base and business.

KTP, the University of Plymouth and the Agrifood Centre
The University of Plymouth has been involved with KTP since 1981, and over the last ten years, have managed over 80 programmes and currently run between 25 to 30 programmes at any one time. As a single university, Plymouth continues to manage the highest number of KTP. Useful links:
 
•
 University of Plymouth website
 
•
 University of Plymouth Business Services

Programmes throughout the UK
One of the many businesses which the University of Plymouth has worked closely with through the KTP Programme is a Cornish based company 'Rigibore Ltd'. Their Managing Director Roger Bassett quoted "As a direct result of the links we have forged with the University of Plymouth through KTP, we have been transformed from a mechanical engineering specialist into a leading-edge mechatronics technology company. Streamlining our manufacturing and business systems has put us well ahead of some of our main competitors, including some very large multinational tooling companies".

The Agrifood Centre currently acts as facilitator for 5 KTP programmes across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, having successfully managed 3 KTP Programmes which have now been completed. How are KTP Programmes funded?

Each KTP Programme is part-financed by a Government grant made to the 'knowledge base' partner. This is complemented by funds from the company partner. For further details, please to contact the Agrifood Centre and we will be happy to assist you further.

Alternatively, you can visit the KTP website at http://www.ktponline.org.uk/