{"id":8182,"date":"2026-01-30T10:11:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T10:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/?p=8182"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:53:08","slug":"innovation-with-impact-what-is-a-knowledge-transfer-partnership-and-why-it-drives-uk-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/innovation-with-impact-what-is-a-knowledge-transfer-partnership-and-why-it-drives-uk-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation with Impact: What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership and Why it Drives UK Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are one of the UK\u2019s best-kept secrets in innovation, quietly transforming businesses for decades.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For over <strong>50 years<\/strong>, they\u2019ve helped companies turn ideas into practical solutions with real-world impact, creating more than <strong>14,000 projects<\/strong> and <strong>boosting the economy by \u00a32.3 billion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">KTPs continue to deliver not only because they provide access to funding, but because they embed expertise, build capability, and deliver measurable change. In an environment where companies are under constant pressure to keep evolving, KTP is the initiative that consistently delivers the tools to do exactly that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why KTPs work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike traditional funding schemes, KTPs also prioritise delivering a partnership and provide ongoing support. With an <strong>87% success rate<\/strong>, this easily makes them one of the UK\u2019s most effective innovation programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the centre of every KTP is a unique three-way collaboration between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A business<\/strong> looking to innovate and grow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An academic institution<\/strong> with cutting-edge expertise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A graduate associate<\/strong> who brings fresh skills and energy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t just a theory. Associates work full-time in the company, supported by academic experts and an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser. It\u2019s a system designed to deliver projects and build lasting capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why do UWE Bristol do them so well?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UWE Bristol\u2019s dedicated KTP Team has supported <strong>over 100 successful projects<\/strong> in the last 20 years. Our academics bring strengths across disciplines from <strong>robotics to marketing <\/strong>delivering projects that <strong>advance innovation, sustainability goals, community impact<\/strong>, and <strong>regional<\/strong> <strong>development<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;is supported by&nbsp;state-of-the-art&nbsp;facilities across our three campuses, with&nbsp;<strong>\u00a3300 million invested<\/strong>&nbsp;in the last five years to create spaces that inspire collaboration&nbsp;and creativity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UWE Bristol\u2019s infrastructure and dedicated KTP Team support the full project journey delivering <strong>better outcomes, stronger partnerships, and long-term impact.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Proof is in the results<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A recent example is UWE Bristol\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/uwe-bristol-wins-at-the-2025-innovate-uk-ktp-awards-for-pioneering-digital-agriculture-project-in-nigeria\/\">award-winning African Agriculture KTP<\/a> with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/taro-agric\/\"><strong>Taro Agric<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/obafemi-awolowo-university-56a299249\/\"><strong>Obafemi Awolowo University<\/strong><\/a>. The project developed <strong>Internet of Things (IoT)<\/strong> enabled devices and <strong>smart dashboards <\/strong>to support the digital transformation of poultry farms, improving operational efficiency and <strong>animal welfare<\/strong>. Early outcomes showed potential for improved business performance and enhanced <strong>digital agriculture skills<\/strong> among more than <strong>100 farming participants<\/strong> from various local communities. The KTP highlights how innovation can drive more <strong>sustainable agricultural practices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or look at <a href=\"https:\/\/eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viperinnovations.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CHelen3.Lewis%40uwe.ac.uk%7C772d2c7913da471bc99708de5f543914%7C07ef1208413c4b5e9cdd64ef305754f0%7C0%7C0%7C639053012559771074%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=gfl1rMuWDzuQ8sGV4u8MZ0MAuPRHGxLYA6Me25GKAoA%3D&amp;reserved=0\"><strong>Viper Innovations<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp; Recognising the potential beyond subsea oil and gas for their cable\u2011monitoring technology, <strong>CableGuardian\u00ae<\/strong>, the company used a <strong>KTP<\/strong> to identify new opportunities in <strong>rail<\/strong>. The partnership embedded <strong>new innovation practices<\/strong> and aligned CableGuardian\u00ae with an emerging rail safety standard, resulting in <strong>successful trials<\/strong>, strong stakeholder buy-in and growing <strong>international interest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In just <strong>18 months<\/strong>, Viper reshaped its market strategy, strengthened product development, and laid the foundation for <strong>global expansion<\/strong>. &nbsp;Building on the success of this initial KTP, Viper later undertook a <strong>second KTP<\/strong> focused on generating <strong>greater insight from live data<\/strong> and <strong>enhancing the CableGuardian<\/strong>\u00ae <strong>service offering<\/strong>, which contributed to strengthening the company\u2019s commercial proposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The impact of the initial KTP is already clear through UK installations, new strategic partnerships in the rail sector, and embedded capabilities that enhance product design and strategic planning, delivering real benefits for customers, including <strong>fewer delays<\/strong>, <strong>reduced penalties,<\/strong> and <strong>lower maintenance costs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The secret to success<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s be clear, not every partnership is right for a KTP. KTPs are most successful when all of the partners are truly aligned. If a business brings a clear strategic need, academics offer relevant expertise, and the associate drives delivery, innovation will follow. With open communication and commitment from all partners, the outcome is long-term, transformational impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why businesses should get involved<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Innovate UK covering up to <strong>67% of project costs, <\/strong>the financial risk is significantly reduced, giving the business freedom to reap the other rewards of the programme. Those rewards are substantial. Remember: You\u2019re not only unlocking funding for a project; you\u2019re embedding expertise, creating intellectual property, and opening doors to new markets. In a world where innovation drives competitiveness, KTPs offer a practical route to staying ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">KTPs aren\u2019t just another government programme. They\u2019re the UK\u2019s best-kept secret for driving innovation, building resilience, and future-proofing businesses. The evidence and outcomes are clear. If you have a project in mind, contact UWE Bristol\u2019s KTP Team:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email <a href=\"mailto:KTP@uwe.ac.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>KTP@uwe.ac.uk<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/business\/businesses-and-employers\/knowledge-transfer-partnerships\"><strong>visit the KTP webpage<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are one of the UK\u2019s best-kept secrets in innovation, quietly transforming businesses for decades. For over 50 years, they\u2019ve helped companies turn ideas into practical solutions with real-world impact, creating more than 14,000 projects and boosting the economy by \u00a32.3 billion. KTPs continue to deliver not only because they provide access &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/innovation-with-impact-what-is-a-knowledge-transfer-partnership-and-why-it-drives-uk-innovation\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Innovation with Impact: What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership and Why it Drives UK Innovation&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":8183,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[85,2,1273,1446,1451,1450,145,1452,1403,1385,1519,1489,4],"tags":[11,17,42,151,46,74,75],"class_list":["post-8182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-and-law","category-business-partnerships","category-experiments","category-innovation","category-knowledge-transfer-partnership","category-knowledge-transfer-partnerships","category-ktp","category-ktps","category-projects","category-public-engagements","category-research-and-external-engagement","category-rise","category-uwe-bristol-research","tag-bristol","tag-business","tag-innovation","tag-knowledge-transfer-partnership","tag-ktp","tag-uwe","tag-uwe-bristol"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/106"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8182"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8191,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8182\/revisions\/8191"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}