At the recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership Awards in London, Sarah Taylor of Gower Business Systems Ltd was presented with the best KTP project for Wales. Sarah developed, produced and implemented a detailed Marketing Stratergy to be used in line with all projects undertaken at Gower Business Systems. The KTP Project formed part of a partnership between Gower Business Systems and Gorseinon College.
The winners of the Technology Strategy Board-led programme were congratulated by Jonathan Kestenbaum, Chief Executive of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) and Technology Strategy Board member.
Congratulating the winners, Kestenbaum commented,
“If businesses and universities do not work together on innovation the UK will face a very uncertain future. Our competitiveness depends on them sharing the rich base of knowledge they produce. The winners of these awards have seen some dramatic results which prove the importance of this.”
KTP aims to foster innovation and accelerate wealth creation by forming a partnership between a Knowledge Base (academic or research institution) and a company in response to a specific, strategic project. The KTP programme is part of the Government’s commitment to supporting UK businesses to compete in a global market – placing the knowledge transfer of science and innovation as central to the UK’s economic performance.
Recognised for the quality of achievements gained from their KTP projects, nine partnerships were selected to receive an award, chosen from over 178 eligible nominations. This year’s nominations were made on a regional basis across the UK and celebrated five winners from the English regions, two from Scotland and one each from Wales and Northern Ireland. Separately, three special awards were also given - the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) sponsored ‘Application of Management or Social Science Award’, the Engineering Excellence award, sponsored by The Royal Academy of Engineering; and the Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programme 2008.