Published on 10 February 2016
A North East University assembled academics, students and senior business leaders to celebrate the 40th anniversary of successful Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) in the region.
The meeting was held at the University of Sunderland as part of the UK-wide KTP@40 activities being held to highlight the excellent achievements of the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme. The initiative has contributed millions to the UK economy and has become one of the largest graduate recruitment programmes in the UK.
In its report on Smart Specialisation, the North East Local Enterprise partnership said that KTPs perform well in the region and references the "importance of universities for regional innovation". The report cites that there have been almost 300 KTPs in the region since 1987, with an average value of £75,153. This compares with an average project value of £60,000 for KTPs nationally. The region has typically had a 5% share of total UK KTPs.
Quantum Law is working with the University of Sunderland on a two-year project to develop an innovative online legal services platform that will revolutionise the legal services marketplace – as well as improve the customer experience, resulting in increased competitive advantage and improved productivity and profitability.
"Simon Briton, partner at Quantum Law, commented: "By working with Deborah, our KTP Associate, we are bringing law into the 21st Century. Deborah has been working with us on software development to improve legal processes and the user experience for our clients. Meanwhile the business is benefiting from being more agile – quicker and more competitive. The new processes implemented as a result of the KTP are new to the industry and not being done anywhere else.
"We are the leading law firm for R&D tax advice and the work we've done through the KTP means that we are now able to handle 20 times more business in that area, which is better for Quantum Law and great news for our clients too."
On working with the University of Sunderland Simon concluded: "They're brilliant; knowledgeable and practical, with great expertise and able to offer access to fabulous equipment."
Derek Curtis, Director of Business Software at Cellular Solutions, also has a KTP with the University of Sunderland, he commented: "At Cellular our mission is to provide cost-effective business management software solutions to help SMEs manage their own businesses better and to give them the capacity to grow. As an SME ourselves we really value the KTP we have with the University of Sunderland, which gives us access to knowledge, equipment and resources that are helping our business to help others prosper - it's a win-win for all involved!"
The University of Sunderland has a track record of delivering outstanding KTPs over many years with companies in a range of sectors. It has academic expertise in disciplines ranging from Software Development to Pharmacy, Media and Engineering, and its KTPs are routinely assessed as ‘Outstanding' by the Technology Strategy Board.
Any business considering a KTP with the University of Sunderland can find out more at a KTP networking event being held from 1-4pm at National Glass Centre on Tuesday, 8 March.