Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) for academics

KTP projects facilitates innovation and impact with industry partners whilst contributing to the Research Excellence Framework
View of Roland Levinsky Building from The House

Participating in KTP affords academics the opportunity to apply their research knowledge and expertise to solve real world problems and in return bring this experience back into the University to inform teaching, enhance the student experience, enrich the curriculum and develop new research areas. It also enables academics to demonstrate the impact of their research through enhanced impact case studies and grant income that can be counted towards REF submission.

Other benefits include:

  • REF income of approximately £175k for a 2-year KTP.
  • Impact case studies - 2014 REF had 4 highly rated impact case studies based on KTP project work.
  • 4 new research projects initiated and 2 refereed publications*.
  • Identify undergraduate and postgraduate projects and placements.
  • Case studies to enhance teaching, research and student experience.
  • PR and media exposure to showcase expertise.
  • Often the start of a long-term relationship with new opportunities to explore.

*From KTP analysis of submitted final reports 2011- 2016

You will be well supported

The Plymouth KTP office provides a full pre- and post-award service for academics seeking partnerships with business through KTP. This is an enhanced service that has been proven to effectively support these particular partnerships throughout all stages which includes project inception, grant proposal writing, recruitment, project delivery and project closure.

Your commitment to a KTP

As an academic supervisor you will be involved in a challenging and stimulating KTP project relating to your area of teaching and research expertise. KTP is an excellent opportunity to develop new industrial contacts, enhance and develop skills and knowledge and earn REF income. KTP projects are expected to be academically challenging, therefore supervisors must be available and committed to the project's delivery, including regular visits to the business and attendance of project meetings.

KTP projects are delivered on a fEC basis, which means that 10 per cent of the academic supervisor's time is 100 per cent funded. The KTP academic team should collectively expect to commit half a day a week to support the KTP. This can be shared between two, three or four academics depending on the particular expertise needed to support the project and can be cross-faculty.

Working with business

Most businesses are eligible as KTP partners but please do contact your KTP Innovation Funding Managers for up to date information on eligibility. To succeed, the project needs to be strategic in its aim, can vary in length between 12 and 36 months and have the potential to transform the business whilst demonstrating impact for the institution's research. The KTP Associate will work full-time at the company location, with supervisory input from dedicated members of staff and the University team to deliver project objectives, transfer knowledge and achieving innovation for the business.

Discussing confidential ideas with a business

There may be a need for a mutual two-way non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect both parties' ideas before full discussions can proceed. Your KTP Innovation Funding Managers can arrange a University NDA with a business or you can contact the Intellectual Property (IP) team to do so.

How much will it cost?

The cash costs of the KTP are fully funded by the KTP Grant and monthly contributions from the partnering business which includes academic supervision time of 10 per cent spread between the academic team and use of general University facilities. KTPs cost on average £87k per year with SME's contributing approximately £29k pa and Large Enterprises £44k.

Budget summary

Discuss your ideas with our Innovation Funding Managers