Move to plug KTN gaps

Swindon, UK - The Technology Strategy Board is to refocus the work of its Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs), which are intended to bring together people from business, universities and research organisations to stimulate innovation through knowledge exchange. The changes, it said, will see a revision of the coverage of business and technology sectors, towards a more targeted and accessible range of network resources.

The move follows a survey of over 2100 KTN users and R&D intensive businesses, which identified areas where networks overlapped, and some where there is poor provision and opportunities to develop new networks.

Against this, 75% of business respondents rated KTN services as effective or highly effective. Over 50% have developed, or are developing, new R&D or commercial relationships with people met through a KTN and 25% have made changes to their innovation activities as a result of their engagement. The most highly rated functions of KTNs, according to the survey, are monitoring and reporting on technologies, applications and markets; providing high quality networking opportunities; and identifying and prioritising key innovation-related issues and challenges.


David Way, director of Knowledge Exchange and Special Projects at the TSB, said: “We were very pleased to have the value and importance of Knowledge Transfer Networks confirmed by this review. However it also identified some areas of overlap and some areas where there are gaps. This is why we are refocusing the portfolio to build on the successes, at the same time aligning the KTNs more closely with the innovation priorities which we have identified in our strategic plan. We will also increase the support the KTNs give to international activities, recognising the increasingly global nature of innovation and business in general”

Way added: “While the number of formal networks will reduce from the current 25 to around 15, all existing knowledge exchange communities, which have over 45,000 members, will continue to be supported within the new structure. We are also planning to establish new KTNs in some areas, for example financial services and energy generation and supply.”

The TSB would also like to see a great increase in the number of individuals and businesses who use and are part of a KTN. “The feedback from existing business members of KTNs is very positive” Way said. “We now want to roll these benefits out through UK business as widely as possible. I would encourage every technology-enabled business to find out more about how KTNs can help them to innovate.”