What is a KTP and Why Should SMEs Care?
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is one of the UK’s most powerful innovation schemes. It helps businesses partner with universities to bring in fresh talent and expert knowledge that drives meaningful change.
A graduate (known as a KTP Associate) joins your business to lead a key innovation project, backed by academic experts and partially funded by Innovate UK.
Done well, it’s a game-changer.
The Real Value of a KTP
KTPs offer more than funding, they help future-proof your business:
- Access to world-class research
- A skilled graduate embedded in your team
- Expert academic support to guide the project
- Shared investment, with Innovate UK funding a significant portion of the project costs
- Sustainable transformation, where knowledge transfer continues well beyond the life of the KTP.
Between 2010 and 2020, KTPs added up to £2.3 billion in value to the UK economy. For every £1 invested, they delivered up to £5.50 in return.
Why It’s Not as Simple as Filling in a Form
KTPs are a strategic growth opportunity for SMEs when managed well. But they are not plug-and-play. The process is complex:
- You’ll need a strong application explaining your commercial goals and the technical challenge you face.
- You must align business and university objectives and communicate clearly across all parties.
- You’ll need to report progress regularly, meet milestones and demonstrate real impact.
That’s where many SMEs need help.
A Real Client Example
One of my clients faced a knowledge gap. They knew what they needed to achieve, but didn’t have the technical skills in-house to guide a new hire.
A key eligibility criteria for a KTP is that the knowledge to be transferred must not already exist within the business and cannot be readily acquired by simply hiring someone.
In the case of my client, we had a clear understanding of where the knowledge gap existed. We could have recruited someone experienced in the relevant technology. But here’s the critical point:
We didn’t have the technical expertise to manage or direct that person effectively.
That’s what made the KTP so valuable. The academic team didn’t just provide knowledge, they helped define the problem, shape the solution and oversee the technical direction of the associate throughout the project. This safeguarded the project from missteps and ensured that the knowledge became embedded, not just temporarily applied.
The KTP model worked perfectly:
- The university helped frame the challenge
- The academic team supported the associate
- Knowledge transfer became embedded, not just applied
That’s the real power of a KTP. It’s not just hiring talent. It’s building capability.
The Case for Getting Expert Help
Given the scheme’s complexity, engaging with an experienced advisor can be the difference between success and missed opportunity.
Working with an experienced KTP advisor increases your chances of success. Here’s how:
- We help you write stronger proposals that meet Innovate UK’s high standards
- We keep academic and business partners aligned
- We support the project from start to finish
At UCL, 95% of successful KTPs involved dedicated support teams. That’s no coincidence.
Final Word: KTPs Work When Managed Well
KTPs are a smart route to growth, innovation, and long-term business capability. But they’re not for the unprepared.
The right advisor can guide you through the complexity, secure the funding, and help you build a partnership that delivers real change.
If you’re thinking about a KTP—let’s talk.