Please Note: This IPM KTN is currently being merged into the Electronics Sensors and Photonics KTN. This means the current site is being maintained as a resource until a new one is available. As a result, some of the 'Live' aspects of this site or page may not be available.
Background
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. The Integrated Products Manufacturing KTN (IPM KTN) is one of 24 such networks funded by the UK government and is part of its Technology Programme.
We grew out of the PRIME Faraday Partnership, which was one of the first four Faraday partnerships launched by the UK government in 1997 and re-launched as a KTN in February 2006. The transition to becoming a KTN has been very beneficial for us. We now find ourselves playing an increasingly important role in the development of the government's Technology Strategy, and our workshops and other consultations help to feed and drive the government's Collaborative Research & Development programme and other innovation interventions.
Mission
Our mission is to assist UK industry with research and technology-transfer activities in the design, development and manufacture of complex products with integrated electronic and mechanical function. Our goal is to help companies to bring cutting-edge technology into today's marketplace, and to do this we help our members to utilise existing UK and European funding initiatives.
Track Record
In 2007 the we celebrated our 10th year of operation during which time we have worked on funded projects with over 250 organisations. We have helped those organisations to secure funds from the EU Framework Programme, the EPSRC, DIUS and other bodies.
In 2007 the amount of research funding we have helped secure for UK businesses topped the £100 million mark. This funding milestone represents a 20-fold gearing on the £5 million invested in us by the government since we were founded in October 1997.
As a partnership, we have received continuous support from public funding throughout our existence, enabling us to adopt a long-term view and see successful innovations develop through serial projects. Since becoming a Knowledge Transfer Network in February 2006, we have developed new activities to engage with our growing membership, which has quadrupled in that period to more than 2,000. Although our membership is dominated by our target UK audience, the international impact of our web-based activities is highlighted by registrations from all over the world.
Some of our original ideas have grown beyond expectations. The concept of SPARK awards, to stimulate innovation and build new relationships, has been taken up by many technology-transfer organisations that have seen the benefits that can be achieved though appropriate use of small grants.
Feedback
If you would like to find out more about the merger of the IPM KTN's communitiy into the ESP KTN please contact:
Simon Aliwell
Email: simon.aliwell@espktn.org
Tel: 020 8249 3807