Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are a national flagship government funded initiative helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of the knowledge, technology and skills that are available within a UK-Knowledge base. KTPs have been running for over 30 years and are one of the most successful business support programmes funded by the Technology Strategy Board with 18 other funding organisations.

KTPs typically involve forming a partnership between a company (known as the company partner) and an academic institution (known as the knowledge base partner), for the transfer of skills and knowledge within a particular field. The programme is managed and delivered by one or more high calibre graduates (known as KTP Associates) to facilitate this knowledge transfer.

Why work with the University of Surrey?

The University of Surrey is a research intensive university with a commitment to working in partnership with industry, commerce and the professions. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. Businesses throughout the UK have achieved considerable benefits through involvement with KTP projects with the University of Surrey.

Research and Enterprise Support (RES) at the University of Surrey can shape up KTP programmes on a wide range of business areas including new technologies, improved product or process design, enhanced manufacturing processes, reduced costs, access to new markets, increased sales, improved profitability, and enhanced efficiency and quality standards. RES has been running successful knowledge transfer partnerships since 2002, and has a diverse portfolio of KTP projects reflecting the wealth of expertise within the University.

Currently on offer from RES are two part-government funded knowledge transfer partnership schemes:

• Classic KTP projects 1-3 years in length; and,
• Shorter KTP projects 26-51 weeks in length.