University News Last updated 18 June
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) will continue to play an influential role for Birmingham City University (BCU) as it seeks to “power prosperity” in the region, says Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba.
Following an event to mark 50 years of successful collaboration between BCU and local industry, Professor Mba said KTPs had proved transformative for students and businesses alike.
“As stated in our strategy for 2030, we are a university focused on creating knowledge for good,” he said. “With this in mind, KTPs will play a huge part in helping us achieve our long-term goals - and our KTP track record reassures us that they will continue to provide an ongoing contribution.
“Whether it is our KTP associates or our graduates here at BCU, they consistently leave a positive legacy at the organisations they work at, often leading to ongoing employment.
“Indeed, according to Innovate UK, more than 70% of all UK KTP associates are offered employment by the host business at the end of the project. This demonstrates why the work we do is so beneficial to the private sector. And it proves that, together, we are powering prosperity.”
The celebration, titled BCUKTP@50, marked five decades of impactful industry-academic collaboration through the KTP programme, which has been a catalyst for innovation and business growth since it was launched by Innovate UK (IUK) in 1975.
More than 150 local businesses and partners attended the event, which was held at BCU’s flagship innovation hub, STEAMhouse. It featured a business expo, interactive showcases, and opportunities for business leaders to connect with BCU’s graduate talent.
BCU has been a regional leader in delivering KTPs, offering SMEs access to university expertise and facilitating graduate-led innovation projects within companies.
These three-way partnerships - between universities, graduates and businesses - have helped drive economic growth and create jobs across the Midlands.
One of the standout stories from the event was SBS Insurance Services, which won IUK’s Business Impact and Transformation Award for its KTPs with BCU in 2021 and 2023 - a record-breaking achievement in the programme’s history.
Notable attendees included Hockley Mint, Hadley Industry Holdings, PDS Direct, Firmin & Sons, ProBuild360, and METCLOUD, all of whom have engaged in successful KTPs with the University.