Aston University and MTC Join Forces: A Groundbreaking Partnership to Propel Innovation and Boost Industrial Impact

Aston University and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) have teamed up to boost innovation in the UK manufacturing sector. This partnership aims to make a real difference by merging Aston’s academic strengths with MTC’s advanced technology.

At the heart of this collaboration is the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) program, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. KTPs connect businesses with academic institutions, offering valuable insights and resources for growth. Funded partly by Innovate UK, these projects help companies adopt new technologies and enhance their processes.

Aston University has a strong reputation in KTPs, ranking among the top 20% of UK universities for business collaboration, according to the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4). It currently has 43 active KTP projects, with an impressive 89% rated as ‘Very good’ to ‘Outstanding’ in recent evaluations.

This partnership particularly aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to digital practices, use artificial intelligence, and implement sustainable methods. It will also create opportunities for emerging talent by placing skilled researchers in industry roles, with access to top-notch facilities and mentorship.

Ken Young, CTO at MTC, emphasizes the importance of collaboration: "At the MTC, we believe that working together leads to real progress. Our partnership with Aston reflects our goal of empowering businesses and driving innovation in UK manufacturing."

Professor Mike Caine from Aston echoes this sentiment, explaining how their combined expertise can foster sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.

The impact of KTP projects is notable; they have shown to significantly boost productivity in businesses. According to a recent report from Innovate UK, companies involved in KTPs saw an average increase in productivity of 15%.

As technology continues to evolve, partnerships like this one are crucial. They not only support established businesses but also pave the way for new ventures and innovations in manufacturing.

For further insights, explore the work being done by Innovate UK on promoting technological advancements in the UK.

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collaboration,innovation,r&d,skills