With the beginning of COP26, Net Zero has never been such an important discussion in public and has never been talked about more. Whether it be global, local or public <> private action to face this crisis, collaboration is at the heart of the fight. 

Collaboration makes up the foundations of every Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), and through these three way partnerships happening across the country, KTP is accelerating the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Across the country, we have a range of projects ongoing that are at the forefront of Net Zero innovation. 

In this piece, we’re going to examine the crucial role that KTP’s have as an effective vehicle for accelerating Net Zero innovations. We will also introduce a new Net Zero series, released daily during COP26, where we present a snapshot of the inspiring projects happening right now to tackle the climate crisis – read on. 

What are Knowledge Transfer Partnerships? 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

KTPs are funded by UKRI through Innovate UK with the support of co-funders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Welsh Government, Invest Northern Ireland, Defra and BEIS. Innovate UK manages the KTP programme and facilitates its delivery through a range of partners including KTN, Knowledge Bases and Businesses.

KTPs are a three way partnership between a business, a Knowledge Base and a KTP Associate. Responding to the business need or opportunity the team delivers a company based project of between 1 and 3 years. Applying state-of-the-art knowledge to tackle product or service development, productivity improvements and a range of other objectives including the drive to Net Zero. Open Innovation projects such as KTP bring together highly skilled teams relevant to the specific project and accelerate innovations that tackle societal challenges and bring competitive advantage.

British Universities are at the forefront of climate change and other research areas applicable to achieving Net Zero. Businesses can harness this expertise and work collaboratively to accelerate their own journey. With a 45 year track record KTP is a proven mechanism to succeed.

Net Zero is a challenge that requires all organisations to pull in the same direction. Certainly, the market trend is looking more towards sustainable ideas, but there is a gap between innovation and commercialization. 

A glaring hole is taking expertise and breakthroughs from Knowledge Bases and making them available on the open market to create real change. This is where collaboration between industry and academia must take place, giving Knowledge Transfer Partnerships a unique position to facilitate meaningful synergies. 

KTP Net Zero Campaign

Over the next 14 days – whilst COP26 takes place – We’ll be sharing a range of inspiring examples from across our network that showcase the partnerships making a difference in tackling the climate crisis. 

Whether it be electric boats, e-depots or circular economy solutions, KTP touches every aspect, accelerating ideas from academia, into new commercial propositions to make a difference. 

Follow along via our Twitter & LinkedIn or along at #KTPNetZero as we give you a snapshot into these projects each day during COP26. 

Learn more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships here.