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Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

All businesses are facing concerns over the economy, the environment, fast-paced digital enhancement, and increasing demand from customers.  KTP is funded by Innovate UK and is the most successful knowledge transfer programme in Europe.  It has been running for more than 40 years, has a £22m grant funding pot.  A KTP project can help you improve your productivity and performance to stay competitive by forming a partnership with us and accessing our skills and expertise.  On average, each project delivers an increase of £600k inpre-tax profit a few years after the project, 2 new jobs and 20 staff trained for the host company.  The UK-wide programme delivers over 700 partnerships per year.

The University of Bradford has facilitated over 80 KTPs and worked with a variety of small and large businesses such as Yorkshire Water, Bombay Stores and BAE Systems.

Introducing the new Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (MKTP)

Innovate UK have introduced some new KTPs to help businesses radically improve their business processes, boost productivity and increase profitability.  These are called MKTPs.

They help SMEs and larger companies to activate initiatives such as benchmarking, application of digital tools, and advanced people skills.  The MKTP delivers new capability as part of a comprehensive leadership and management strategy. 

In doing this, the MKTPS are supporting SMEs to sustainably scale-up and grow; and larger companies can incorporate better business processes to improve productivity.

Find out more by downloading the MKTP leaflet below.

Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (MKTP) Booklet

If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact our team. You can also read our Website Accessibility Statement.

The KTP project brought the business into contact with a world class skin expert, Professor Des Tobin. His valuable knowledge has helped guide the company’s developments within and outside the scope of the project.

Scott Seville, Technology and Innovation Manager, RB Healthcare (UK) Ltd

We know that businesses need to continuously innovate in today's fast-paced technology driven market, if they are going to stay ahead of the competition.  But we also know that innovating can be expensive.  A KTP project is affordable and comes with many benefits:

  • Cost effective compared to consultants and research organisation
  • Well qualified people resource:
    • a full-time postgraduate associate qualified up to PhD level who becomes absorbed into your organisation and owns the project
    • at least one academic working on the project for no less than 48 days over a 2 year period
    • extended access to wider expertise of other academics as required
    • option to enhance the project be adding free undergraduate projects and placements
  • A structured approach to project management ensuring your outcomes are delivered
  • Access to leading edge equipment and laboratories
  • Creates accelerated innovative products/solutions

On average, businesses generate an increase of over £600,000 per annum in pre-tax profit and £650,000 annual increase in exports a few years after the project has ended, the creation of 2 jobs and 20 staff trained.

The KTP has been an excellent partnership, allowing us to apply expert skills to solve real world problems. The structure and support provided by the KTP programme was a model for future projects.

Dave Thompson, Technical Manager, Norgren Leeds.

Applying for a KTP

Who can apply

KTP works with any size and type of organisation across any industry (including third sector and public sector) on strategic projects. Typical projects involve improving existing products or developing new products, developing and implementing a marketing strategy to enter new markets, or developing new systems and frameworks to improve efficiencies in staff and processes. 

View examples of our projects and who we have worked with >>

How to apply

The businesses we work with say that one of the best things about KTP is the support provided by the KTP Office.  Innovation takes your attention away from the day to day running of the business, so we aim to relieve some of that burden.  The KTP Office has created an infographic to show each step of the way.

View our infographic for a visual of the application process >>

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about how KTP fits with your  business strategy or discuss a specific project and how it fits with our expertise, please get in touch with us.

You can also find out more by visiting Innovate UK's national KTP Website.

Woman wearing a yellow hard hat