KTPs on the increase, says report
Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of small and medium-sized businesses in the Midlands have worked with a higher education institution in the past year. That's according to research published today by the Institute of Directors (IoD) and Universities UK.
The research, part of Universities Week 2011, reveals the benefits that businesses in the region have reaped after entering into arrangements including knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with neighbouring universities.
Aston University has been involved in 19 KTPs since August 2010, with companies including E.On, Tata Motors, and BBR Optometry.
Dr Phil Extance, pro vice chancellor for business partnerships and knowledge transfer, said: "Aston University has a track record of carrying out exploitable research that is readily translated from an academic world into real products and services and that provides a catalyst to businesses to do thing differently."
More than a quarter (28 per cent) of Midlands businesses which had been involved in a KTP had employed recent graduates or post-graduates; 18 per cent had offered work experience opportunities and 11 per cent had taken on students on formal internships.
