Knowledge Transfer
The LFC is the leading provider of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to the food industry in the UK. KTPs are designed to help businesses access expertise by working in partnership with academics or researchers. KTPs are part-funded by the government to encourage innovation in industry. Programmes are usually over a period of 2 years and involve 1 associate but can be over a longer period with 2 or more associates. The programme benefits all three parties involved:
- the business – in place graduate with consultancy support and expertise form the university.
- the appointed KTP Associate (who is likely to be a recent graduate) who is trained, inputs into a growing business and can register for a higher degree.
- the Knowledge Partner (the university) by gaining experience of industrial applications, which can then be applied in their teaching and research.
Projects can cover many aspects of innovation such as:
- improving existing products and developing new products
- streamlining a manufacturing process for greater efficiency
- improving logistics processes
- developing a marketing strategy
- Improving energy use and environmental impact.
What is the procedure to obtain a KTP in the food industry?
Contact the London Food Centre for a discussion. We can tell you if your business is suitable for the scheme and set the process in motion. A one-page descriptor of the project will be drawn up by the university and submitted, along with recent audited accounts, to a government consultant. The consultant will then visit the business to authorise a go-ahead to the application process. The university then complete the detailed Partnership Proposal and Grant Application Form for submission to the grant-awarding body.
Grants are awarded to cover the cost of employing an Associate, the academic support, Associate personal development, travel and subsistence, equipment and consumables required by the project. A typical cost to the business is £21,000 per year per Associate. More than one Associate may be allocated to a project as required.
Once a grant is awarded, an Associate is selected and placed in the business to carry out the agreed business development project. The Associate will be encouraged to undertake an MSc as part of the work placement and based on the project objectives. The Associate will in addition attend some courses as part of their professional development. A lead academic will regularly and supervise progress of the project.
KTP case studies
More information on KTPs is available on www.ktponline.org.uk