Knowledge Transfer Networks

A Knowledge Transfer Network is a single over-arching national network in a specific field of technology or business application which brings together people from businesses, universities, research, finance and technology organisations to stimulate innovation through knowledge transfer.

Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) have been set up to drive the flow of knowledge within, in and out of specific communities.

KTNs have been established and are funded by government, industry and academia. They bring together diverse organisations and provide activities and initiatives that promote the exchange of knowledge and the stimulation of innovation in these communities.  The Energy Generation and Supply KTN has recently been formed to support knowledge transfer in the Energy sector.

Objective

The objective of a Knowledge Transfer Network is to improve the UK's innovation performance by increasing the breadth and depth or the knowledge transfer of technology into UK-based businesses and by accelerating the rate at which this process occurs. The Network must, throughout its lifetime, actively contribute and remain aligned to goals of the Technology Strategy Board.

Within the overall objective of accelerating the rate of technology transfer into UK business, the specific aims of a Knowledge Transfer Network include the following:

• To deliver improved industrial performance through innovation and new collaborations by driving the flow of people, knowledge and experience between business and the science-base, between businesses and across sectors;
• To drive knowledge transfer between the supply and demand sides of technology-enabled markets through a high quality, easy to use service;
• To facilitate innovation and knowledge transfer by providing UK businesses with the opportunity to meet and network with individuals and organisations, in the UK and internationally;
• To provide a forum for a coherent business voice to inform government of its technology needs and about issues, such as regulation, which are enhancing or inhibiting innovation in the UK.  

Check partner's website: http://ktn.innovateuk.org/web/energyktn