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Knowledge Transfer Networks

Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) are national networks of technical experts and other interested parties, designed to improve the UK’s innovation performance by increasing and accelerating the knowledge transfer of technology into UK-based businesses.

Their activities play an increasingly an important role in the development of the Government's Technology Strategy, and help to feed and drive the Collaborative Research & Development programme and other innovation interventions.

KTNs were developed – some building on existing networks known as Faradays – in response to the DTI’s Innovation Review, which identified access to networks and sources of new knowledge as two of the most important determinants of business innovation performance. Because innovation is a complex process, success relies on the coming together of a variety of players, such as suppliers, customers, other firms, universities, research and technology organisations and other intermediaries.

Many businesses may not make the most of their potential for innovation and often this can be attributed to a lack of awareness and access to the latest technological knowledge and breakthroughs.

KTNs play a vital role in making the necessary connections between the various players, helping industry to access knowledge and information central to innovation growth.

Their specific objectives include:

delivering 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;
driving knowledge transfer between the supply and demand sides of technology-enabled markets through a high quality, easy to use service;
facilitating innovation and knowledge transfer by providing UK businesses with the opportunity to meet and network with individuals and organisations, in the UK and internationally;
providing 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.

To date 22 Knowledge Transfer Networks have been established. They have in excess of 13,000 people registered to receive information through their websites and have held more than 240 events in the past year in which over 10,000 people and organisations have participated;

For more information visit the Knowledge Transfer Networks portal