One of the UK's longest standing initiatives connecting
businesses and organisations with academia is celebrating 50
years of delivering value to the Welsh economy.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme drives growth
and innovation by solving real world ‘business' challenges in
partnership with academics across Wales and the UK. The resulting
partnerships are focused on creating solutions that deliver
innovation, economic growth and social or environmental benefits,
leading to changes that improve people's lives.
Over the last few years alone, Welsh KTP projects have resulted
in 78 new jobs, and a £6.5m investment in innovation – including
£1.8m in funding from the Welsh Government, which delivers the
scheme in partnership with Innovate UK.
For each pound of public investment this is estimated to have
generated a return of up to £5.50 in net economic benefits for
the Welsh economy.
Across the UK up to an estimated £2.3bn was added to the economy
between 2010 and 2020 thanks to collaborative innovation via
KTPs.
The scheme also helps businesses bring in new skills via a
talented graduate that is employed to work on the project.
Non-profit Cerebra collaborated with Cardiff University for a
recent KTP. The Carmarthen-based charity helps improves the lives
of children with brain disorders by supporting their families
with their long-term health, education, and social needs.
The KTP developed an AI-driven approach to increase the
effectiveness of Cerebra's marketing campaigns, and secure more
donations for the charity.
Associate Professor in Marketing Analytics at Cardiff Business
School, Dr Simon Jang said:
“Our KTP with Cerebra shows how Cardiff University collaborates
with organisations to deliver real-world impact. By combining our
expertise in marketing, data analytics, and AI, we developed
data-driven strategies that strengthened Cerebra's donor
engagement and long-term sustainability – demonstrating how KTPs
drive both organisational growth and wider social value.”
Business Partner Supervisor for Cerebra, Ricky Howells said:
“This KTP has underpinned the necessity of looking to apply data
driven decisions in all aspects of fundraising.
“As a result we will be able to reach and support more families
in the future, making a meaningful difference to the lives of
children living with a brain condition.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and
Planning, said:
“KTPs are an important part of the Welsh innovation ecosystem,
driving forward better outcomes for our businesses, our academic
institutions, our residents and our environment.
“For fifty years this pioneering programme has enabled businesses
and organisations like Cerebra tap into the expertise of some of
the best research that the UK has to offer. It has also
accelerated progression for graduates, creating high value, well
paid jobs throughout Wales.”
Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager at Innovate UK, said:
“Innovate UK is proud to work with Welsh Government on the KTP
programme as one of its lead supporters. Welsh Government
funding not only supports individual projects but supports Welsh
universities and colleges to work with local businesses and
organisations.”
