AEA manages leading knowledge transfer programme

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is Europe’s leading programme helping businesses improve competitiveness and productivity through better use of knowledge, technologies and skills that reside in the UK knowledge base (higher education institutions, further education institutions, research & technology organisations and public sector research institutions).

This is achieved through the support of innovative projects, which are undertaken by high calibre, recently qualified individuals under the joint supervision of persons from the business and knowledge base. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a UK-wide programme, funded by the Technology Strategy Board with 17 other funding organisations

Issue

KTP’s mission is to strengthen the competitiveness, wealth creation and economic performance of the UK by the enhancement of knowledge and skills and the stimulation of innovation through collaborative projects between businesses and the knowledge base. The programme has traditionally focused on SMEs in the science and engineering sector but has now expanded to cover large organizations (250+ employees) across a much wider business portfolio. For example, the creative industries.

AEA has been managing the delivery of the KTP programme since 2004 and has simultaneously achieved cost reduction and growth, establishing foundations for a larger, more flexible programme.

Results

At the 2006/07 year-end the portfolio comprised 1,157 individual Projects, the highest number ever, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between the UK knowledge base and business.

As a result of the Government money committed during 2006/07, UK companies stand to benefit from an overall increase in annual profit before tax of some £100m, over 1,400 new jobs created (aside from the recruitment of KTP themselves) and over 6,200 company staff trained. In addition, almost £24m was invested in R&D by UK company partners.