Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

For the partnership to work, your business must:

• Be registered to the UK
• Have a human resource and financial infrastructure in place to support the KTP associate and the project over the two years, and potentially beyond this project
• Demonstrate the ability to support its contribution to the project financially and have the resources to fund further development of the new capabilities. (Typically £30k per annum is invested into the project).

• Contact us to discuss your ideas (fill out the form at the bottom of this page)
• Collaborate to fine-tune the project's objectives
• Develop a funding application to Innovate UK through a joint effort
• Upon approval, we'll facilitate the Associate recruitment 
• Execute the project with extensive assistance from the KTP team and academic experts.

An mKTP is a people-focused partnership aimed at triggering culture change within organisations. They enable transformational improvement by identifying strategic, management-based initiatives that enhance business resilience, agility, and overall management effectiveness. The focus is on strengthening leadership, improving organisational practices, and fostering long-term sustainable growth.

How are they different to KTPs?

While KTPs traditionally focus on driving innovation through technical, product, or service development, mKTPs are designed to improve management practices within a company. 

They achieve this by forming novel and innovative partnerships with the UK’s world-class Business Schools and academic teams. These partnerships incorporate a wide range of leadership and management skills to build strategies that drive change and improve overall business performance. mKTPs take a holistic view, spanning all core business functions - from marketing to IT, creativity to strategic management, and HR to finance. They seek to support strategic management projects across various activities, such as:

• Monitoring and target setting
• Communication and motivation
• Organization, resource planning, and strategic thinking
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Commercial awareness and risk management
• Coaching and mentoring
• Option evaluations, horizon scanning, and foresighting.

Who are mKTPs for? 

• Growth-orientated small and medium sized enterprises that want to build and execute ambitious management strategies by introducing improved management practices
• Businesses seeking productivity gains through better management and leadership practices
• Organisations aiming to up-skill their teams and implement step-change improvements in productivity by deploying industry-leading management practices and innovative processes.

To be eligible for the KTP scheme, you typically need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, and in some cases, a postgraduate qualification like a master's or PhD.

Here’s how to get started:

• Look for KTP opportunities on university job boards, recruitment websites, or the KTP website
• When applying, be sure to carefully demonstrate the skills and experience required for the role, as outlined in the job description. Highlight how your academic background and any work or research experience make you a strong fit for the project.
• Reach out to your university's careers service or KTP office to find out about available projects and gain assistance with the application process.

What are the benefits of a KTP scheme for graduates?

• Fast-track career development: KTPs offer an accelerated career path, as you'll regularly work alongside senior employees, business supervisors, and knowledge base supervisors. This exposure helps build your expertise and expand your professional network quickly.
• High retention rate: 94% of KTP associates are offered permanent positions within the company after the project ends, thanks to the valuable contributions and strong relationships built during the partnership.
• Innovation and impact: KTP projects focus on driving innovation and solving real-world challenges. You’ll be at the forefront of transformative work that has a tangible impact on the business and industry.
• Substantial personal development: The KTP scheme provides a significant personal development and training budget, allowing you to enhance your skills and qualifications while working
• Access to resources: You’ll have access to both business and university resources, providing you with the tools, expertise, and support needed to make meaningful contributions to the project.