Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge
Transfer Networks (KTN) aim to drive the flow of knowledge
within and between specific industrial and academic communities to
help develop ideas, interactions and communications routes between
those communities and the Government. They are part of the
Government Technology Strategy and the Technology Strategy Board
oversees their activities. Several KTNs shown on the KTN link
above are relevant to he Marine industry including:
The Materials KTN which includes
composites and Smart Materials - SMART.Mat
The National Composites Network is
part of the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network jointly funded by
government and industry that embraces the entire UK Composites
industry and its supply chain. The NCN is a Company Limited by
Guarantee, with a Board drawn from organisations with prominent
composites interests including the BMF.
The UK has an impressive global reputation for innovation and
research in composite materials and recognised high skills and
quality based manufacturing, which is heavily led by implementation
of new technologies. The NCN has established 5 Regional
Centres of Excellence where companies can obtain hands-on support
and expert advice.
A Marine Composites Technology Roadmap was published in 2006 and
is available on the NCN website or for members to download here -
log in and go to the Technical publications page.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
(KTP) help businesses to improve their competitiveness and
productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and
skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. KTPs are
funded by the Technology Strategy Board with 17 other funding
organisations. Each partnership employs one or more high
calibre Associates (recently qualified people) to work on a
project, which is core to the strategic development of the
business.
KTP Projects can run from 10-40 weeks or from 1-3 years offering
greater flexibiity and depending on the needs of the organisation
and the desired outcomes.
The new shorter KTPs aim to address
more short-term, tactical business issues. Projects may be
standalone or can lead to, run in parallel with, or follow-on from
a classic KTP. Partnerships may have more than one shorter KTP
running in parallel or sequentially.
And the benefits...
Shorter KTP projects act as a
stepping-stone for those organisations that have not worked with a
knowledge base before to realise the benefits that can be achieved
through knowledge transfer and collaborative partnerships.
KTP is also part-funded by the Government so is a cost
effective method of:
Accessing highly qualified people to spearhead new projects
Accessing experts who can help take your organisation
forward
Developing innovative solutions to help your organisation
grow