In the second of our series looking at knowledge transfer, Pam Tatlow, chair of university think-tank Million , looks at the challenges to be overcome when engaging SMEs in KT partnerships – especially in the creative industries.

Knowledge transfer partnerships are a key tool in allowing SMEs to grow without having the necessary resources and expertise already in place. But at a time when the creative industries are the UK’s fastest growing sector, there are a number of barriers that make it difficult for these SMEs to take advantage.

The nature of the creative industries means that the majority of companies within the sector will be classed as small or micro businesses, and knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP) will have a big part to play in supporting this growth. However, research from the Million report Creative Futures has identified three main barriers: money, awareness and availability of opportunities.

Many SMEs remain ignorant of what is available to them and are unaware of how to establish these contacts. But even if a small business is aware of what is available to them, the costs of entering into KTP schemes are often too high. For creative industries, the opportunities may also be harder to find because of the view among some arts academics that KTP is for scientists and engineers; not for them.

KTP in action

Creative Futures calls for more awareness of KTP opportunities and also calls for more investment, with funding for universities that have been supporting these sectors. This will ensure the needs of the SMEs within the sector are recognised and the creative industries will continue to thrive.

Funded projects such as the West Midlands Technology Network (WMTN) will become more important as the economy slows down and SMEs fight for survival. WMTN uses four local universities to match each company’s needs with the most suitable source of expertise and facilities within the universities. They then work with SMEs to deliver practical help in a variety of business areas, with an aim to encourage innovation. Crucially, the services of WMTN are free to all local businesses.

One successful project from WMTN teamed Q-Leap Ltd with Coventry University’s Design Institute SME Support Programme to help develop their new product. Q-Leap design and manufacture products for the leisure sector and had developed the idea for a portable ashtray for use on beaches. Coventry University were able to advise the company on suitable materials and carry out mould flow simulations to ensure that the design would be ready for manufacturing within a small time frame. The product is now on the market and the company has projected sales of 50,000 for 2008.

Designs on KTP

In the UK capital, London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Centre for Knowledge Transfer is the largest KTP programme in the city, providing top employees, university resources and grant funding to businesses in London. The Creative Industries, Media and Design branch of the centre has worked with companies, ranging from clothes manufacturers to interior design consultancies, media companies and product design consultancies.

One such example is GMJ, an international leader in design visualisation for architects and developers. When deciding to create an ambitious new project, the company turned to LSBU’s KTP programme for support and expertise. With help from the university, GMJ have developed new city modelling software for London and Liverpool, which will allow users to type in a postcode and see a 3D model of the area – accurate right down to the graffiti! It’s a product that could transform the way new developments are planned and marketed.

The KTP associate on the project, Hong Zhou, is also benefiting from this experience as he is pursuing a higher degree through the programme, giving him valuable real-life work experience.

Work in progress

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has also begun to make funding available for KTP initiatives. However, projects such as the SME-focused Knowledge Transfer Catalyst scheme are still working with relatively small numbers of businesses. Its availability needs to be extended to newer creative industries to encourage innovation and help the growth of less established industries.

Creative Futures also suggests that the 40% contribution from creative industries acting as partners with universities should be reconsidered, giving SMEs greater financial incentive to get involved with local universities. But, most importantly, the AHRC needs to raise awareness of its own KTP schemes and the profile of universities, offering key research expertise and facilities that are beneficial to the creative industries.

It is only by breaking down the barriers to KTP for creative industries that the role of the universities in developing the creative economy can be fully realised.

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