Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

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What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership?

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been helping UK businesses to innovate and grow since 2003. It does this by linking them with an academic or research organisation and a graduate. A KTP enables a business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project through a knowledge-based partnership.

The academic or research organisation partner will help to recruit a suitable graduate, known as an Associate. They will act as the employer of the graduate, who then works at the company for the duration.

The scheme can last between 12 and 36 months, depending on what the project is and the needs of the business. Each KTP is a 3-way partnership between:

A UK-based business of any size or a not-for-profit organisation
An academic or research organisation. This could be a university, college or research and technology organisation in the UK
A suitably-qualified graduate, with the capability to lead a strategic business project

Benefits for
businesses?

Business partners benefit from academic expertise not otherwise available in-house, access to grant monies and the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in their market.

A KTP is part-funded by a grant. You will need to contribute to the salary of the Associate who will work with your business, plus the cost of a supervisor who will oversee the scheme.

The amount you will need to contribute depends on the scale and length of the project. It will also depend on the size of your company. Typically:

Small and medium-sized enterprises contribute around £35,000 per year, about one-third of the project costs
Large businesses contribute around £55,000 per year, or half of the project costs

Students in the Fenner Collaboration Suite

Rosetta-Blackman-SoBBES-PhD-Student-UNI-0967

Why partner with the
University of Hull?

The University of Hull has been involved with many KTPs which have delivered huge competitive advantage to the business we’ve partnered with, from increased turnover to the ability to enter new markets. Over two-thirds of our graduate Associates have been offered permanent positions with the company at the end of the KTP.

Case studies

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Ansell Ltd (formerly Microgard Ltd)

Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well-being, with an annual turnover of $1.6bn and customers in more than 100 countries.

Find out more

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Singleton Birch

Singleton Birch is the UK’s leading independent lime supplier, with a 200-year history in delivering service excellence, 120 employees and a worldwide customer base.

Find out more

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships