
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships or KTPs turn 50
- They were established to boost UK businesses through collaboration with universities and other research organisations
- Aston University currently manages 40 projects - the largest portfolio in the UK.
A government programme that was founded half a century ago has reached a milestone at Aston University.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) were established to boost UK businesses through collaboration with universities and other research organisations.
As the KTP scheme turns 50, Aston University has reached its own milestone by managing 40 projects concurrently, more than at any other time in its history. This is the largest KTP portfolio in the UK.
Aston University has been an active participant in KTPs since its inception and has been closely involved in the development of the programme.
The University has supported innovations which tackle a vast range of business and technological issues through the transfer and application of the latest research to the commercial, professional and third sectors.
The scheme, funded by businesses and government funding body Innovate UK, was established in 1975, making it one of the longest running government programmes. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher known as a KTP associate. The programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector-leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK.
KTPs can often boost profits for businesses as a direct result of improved quality and operations, increased sales and access to new markets and social enterprises also see improved results. In 2023 research and analysis organisation SQW conducted a national evaluation of KTPs. Its findings suggests that Aston University’s projects will generate £266 million in pre-tax profit for company partners and support the creation of a total of 541 new jobs within three years of the projects’ completion.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement & Innovation) Mike Caine said: “Knowledge Transfer Partnerships embody our vision to be a leading university of science, technology and enterprise, which is measured in part by the positive transformational impact we achieve for businesses and the communities we serve.
“Our outstanding track record in KTPs highlights how we are able to meet businesses’ core strategic needs and to identify innovative solutions that help them grow. We are delighted to enter 2025 - the anniversary year - with 40 live projects delivering growth.”
To mark KTPs half century Aston University will be holding a celebration event to showcase its projects and the teams delivering them in Birmingham on 19 June.
There is more information on KTPs online at Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at work.
- Notes to editors
Watch our short film to see how it works and visit our website for examples of KTP in action at Aston.
To find out more about how your business can benefit from working with Aston University, please email ktp@aston.ac.uk
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk