Knowledge Transfer
Aims and Objectives of the Knowledge Transfer Programme
The aims of the KT programme are to increase potential users awareness of the NMS and to improve uptake and use of measurement technologies and best practices by UK companies, particularly high-tech innovative SMEs (Small & Medium sized Enterprises). The programme also aims to capture the short and likely long-term measurement needs of the target audience to feed into the formulation of new and existing programmes.
The main objectives of the programme are:
- To encapsulate output from the current programmes and the accumulated expertise of contractor
- To raise awareness, through the efficient marketing of NMS activities
- To demonstrate the value of NMS outputs, by promoting user benefits (not technology)
- To develop partnerships, to increase industrial participation.
Measurement for Innovators
The KT Programme is primarily working through the Measurement for Innovators (MfI) project, delivered by a consortium of NPL, NEL & LGC. MfI provides funding for proposals for Joint Industry Projects, Secondments and Product Development Consultancies.
Joint Industry Projects
These allow the NMIs and industry to work together in a multi-partner project, lasting less than a year, to solve measurement problems (in product or method development.) Funding - in cash or kind - from industrial partners can be matched by DIUS.
Secondments
Secondments are designed to develop tacit learning and networking by transferring people in and out of the NMIs for a limited time. The secondments can be to or from industry, other NMIs or internationally.
Product Development Consultancies
These are designed to allow NMI experts to work with SMEs to provide advice for a measurement problem at no cost to the recipient. Each must last four days or less, and specific advice on a product or service will be provided.