Information For Academics

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships enable the transfer of knowledge between businesses and universities, colleges, or research organisations. They also enhance knowledge and stimulate innovation through collaborative partnerships between businesses and the academic or research institute.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships offer academic staff opportunities to:

• apply knowledge and expertise to important business problems
• gain experience of current business development
• generate research ideas and teaching materials relevant to business

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership may involve one or more Associates, can last 1, 2 or 3 years and the knowledge base partner may be a university or other higher education institution or public or private research institute or organisation.

Energetic academics can enhance their reputations and teaching and research skills by participating in KTP. It enables them to:

• lead rewarding collaborations with innovative businesses
• assist strategic change in businesses
• supervise and act as mentors for postgraduates working on company-based projects
• enhance the business relevance of their teaching and research

A government grant, plus the contribution from the company partner, fully covers the costs of participation in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. The budget for a typical KTP programme allows you to claim for up to one half day each week over the course of the project for your time for supervision and visits to the business premises. This is paid by the DTI on a 100% Full Economic Cost basis including all Estates charges and ICR.

What about Publication rights and confidentiality?

An Intellectual property (IP) agreement is drawn up for each KTP project which will spell out what rights each of the parties will have. This will cover the publication of academic papers and what happens with any IP developed during the KTP programme.