About
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is about sharing information, as the name suggests. The aim is to help UK companies grow and innovate, to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project through a knowledge-based partnership.
It works by creating a three-way partnership between (1) a UK business, public or third sector organisation, (2) an academic or research organisation and (3) a graduate, known as an Associate. The academic or research partner employs the Associate to work for the UK company. The scheme can last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the project’s scale and the business or organisation’s needs.
Businesses and organisations
By taking part, a company can receive and use academic expertise that it may not have in house.
The KTP grant is part-funded, meaning that the business or organisation must contribute to the salaries of the Associate and Supervisor. The actual cost will depend on the length and scale of the project, and the company’s size. 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
Academic or research organisations
On average, academic or research partners produce three more projects by taking part in a KTP. And, with each of these projects, two research papers.
Graduates
KTP offers more than 300 job opportunities each year, which can help career development and lead to permanent roles. Find opportunities at KTP vacancies online.
