Knowledge transfer partnerships help local companies

The University's Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), has gone from strength to strength in recent times, with four awards being made in the last 12 months. Three local companies specialising in oil services, software development and construction, and a Glasgow-based design firm are the enterprises currently involved in KTP initiatives.

Under the KTP, universities apply their wealth of knowledge and expertise to business problems. Each KTP is managed by a team involving senior staff from the university and the partner company, plus a recently qualified graduate who is recruited as the KTP Associate. The Department of Trade and Industry and the company jointly fund the project costs.

Dr Gareth Thomson in the Faculty of Engineering is working with Mechserv, the first company to gain KTP approval in the last year. Gareth will be working with the Arbroath company over the next two years to investigate issues relating to its high pressure mobile pumping units. He said, "This project is seen as an opportunity for Mechserv to work with the University to make a strategic change to the skill set within their business. Working on this project will improve their design capabilities with particular regard to the working environment for offshore workers using their products.

"In turn the University gains, through increased contact with the offshore industry, a key employer of our graduates."

The increase in KTP activity is largely due to the recruitment of a dedicated KTP consultant, Neil Stewart. Neil is working on behalf of the Universities of Dundee and Abertay to identify KTP project opportunities and assist in the submission of funding applications to the DTI. The cost of this additional resource has been partly met through a contribution from Scottish Enterprise Tayside. Neil said, "KTP Associates can benefit significantly from taking part in projects in industrial environments. It provides them with a great opportunity to obtain both work skills and formal management qualifications"

Business Development Manager John Gardner said, "The achievements of the last 12 months represent a remarkable improvement on the University’s previous involvement with KTP’s forerunner, the Teaching Company Scheme. It is a reflection of the high quality research staff employed by the University, and additional support being funded through Research and Innovation Services."

More information on the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme is available at www.ktponline.org.uk or by speaking to John Gardner, Margaret Teven or Neil Mather, Business Development Managers in RIS.