Social Firms UK

Knowledge Transfer – Research and Development – A collaborative approach

Taking the opportunity to share and exchange knowledge and experience often reaps exceptional rewards. Tapping the brains of leading academics and drawing on their expertise while focusing on the particular needs of your organisation is what Knowledge Transfer is all about.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a relationship formed between a company (including social enterprises) and an academic institution (Knowledge Base Partner), which facilitates the transfer of knowledge, technology and skills. Each partnership employs one or more recently qualified people (known as an Associate) to work in the business on a project of strategic importance, whilst also being supervised by the Knowledge Base Partner.

If you have an innovative new product or process idea which will directly benefit your company and you are committed to moving your business to the forefront of your industry but find yourself lacking the funding and manpower to do so, then you may be able to get a contribution to the cost through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (KTP). You will be required to make a contribution too. See http://www.ktponline.org.uk/ktp-and-the-third-sector

Many universities throughout the country are involved in Knowledge Transfer Partnership schemes, so it’s worth checking out what the universities near you can offer.

Social Firms UK has entered into a knowledge transfer partnership with Middlesex University, who have already been working with a number of social enterprises. Our Associate, Carly Malling, is researching the sector and developing new business toolkits tailored to help organisations develop successful social firms. For more information on the project click here.

Social Firms UK also has links with the London Southbank University, who have a track record of working with charities and social enterprises. A recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University and the Royal National Institute for the Blind, carried out by Associate Phil Sital Singh, looked at the social return on investment of Social Firms. It has provided compelling evidence of the added value that Social Firms can offer which can be use to influence decisions about future action to increase work opportunities for people with visual impairments. The research report can be found here.