Knowledge transfer

What is knowledge transfer?

Knowledge transfer is the process of transferring know-how, technology and skills from a higher education institution to external partners for commercial benefit.

The aim is to embed new capabilities to improve the external partner's performance with the intention of increasing intellectual capital of all the participants and encourage innovation through skills diversification.

The Knowledge Transfer team at the University of Hertfordshire has a distinguished track record in a range of partnerships with over 100 companies.

Projects have included:

• low carbon automotive systems
• health and wellbeing
• sustainable/strategic marketing
• business process reengineering
• on-line business systems

Knowledge Transfer Partnership

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), is a 3-way collaboration between:

• a business
• the University
• an exceptional graduate(KTP Associate)

KTP gives you access to the University's ideas, expertise and technologies so you can tackle a strategic project with the latest insights and innovation.

The graduate is employed by the University, based at your premises and mentored by an experienced academic.

Classic KTPs are 18-36 months in duration, for shorter term projects see "Shorter KTP" on this page.

Who is eligible?

Ideally your organisation will:

• have been trading for at least 2 years
• be profitable
• employ 10 or more full-time staff
• have potential for growth
• have a suitable project which needs expertise you don't have in-house

If you're not eligible for a KTP you may find our K4B suitable. 

How much does a KTP cost?

KTPs are heavily subsidised by a government grant. SME-based projects receive a grant of 67% of the project cost, projects with large organisations and groups receive a grant of 50%. Grants are subject to eligibility and competitive assessment.

Is help available to apply for a KTP?

We'll help you through the funding process, with free grant application guidance and proposal writing. Common project areas include:

• Innovation and R&D
• Product design
• Manufacturing
• Business process improvement
• Strategic business development

Shorter KTPs

Shorter Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (sKTPs) are an excellent way for micro-sized organisations and SMEs to take advantage of cutting-edge university knowledge and technology. Lasting between 26 and 51 weeks, they work in much in the same way as classic KTPs.

However, because of their shorter time span, they are designed to help you address short-term tactical issues. SME-based projects receive a grant of 60% of the project cost, projects with large organisations and groups receive a grant of 40%.

Knowledge for Business

K4B enables businesses to benefit from University expertise without having to meet the KTP criteria for support.

A University of Hertfordshire academic spends half a day in the business' premises to train or mentor existing or newly recruited staff in new processes or techniques to enable the company to develop new products, improve business processes, create strategic/tactical marketing plans or reduce operational costs.

The company pays 100% of the cost of the academic support provided. K4B partnerships are flexible and typically run from 1 to 12 months.

Benefits to your company include:

• Exclusive access to the very latest research and thinking
• Powerful, flexible and cost-effective support
• A targeted outcome, focused on return on investment
• New knowledge to strengthen your workforce
• Added in-house capability to improve your market position
• Dedicated, regular contact with an academic specialist
• Timescales and projects based around your business needs

More information

To find out more about KTPs and how we can help your business, contact the Enterprise and Business Development team, email us at be@herts.ac.uk, or call+44 (0)1707 286406