BNU hosts Innovate Local: Buckinghamshire
This week, the Innovate Local conference for Buckinghamshire, a collaboration between and , was hosted at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU).
The event brought together professionals from organisations across the county to learn, network, and explore how engaging with business support from Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and local organisations such as Buckinghamshire Business First, Buckinghamshire Council and BNU can support business and innovation in the local area.
The event hosted a series of talks, including an inspiring introduction from Ian Barham, Head of Business Partnerships at Buckinghamshire Council, on economic growth opportunities in Buckinghamshire. Philippa Batting, CEO of Buckinghamshire Business First, also spoke about delivering impact through business support, and the event also included an exhibition space where organisations such as Buckinghamshire College Group and Buckinghamshire Skills Hub hosted stands, providing further opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor of BNU, provided an overview of the university鈥檚 history and its support for local business in High Wycombe and Buckinghamshire since it opened its doors in 1891. Professor Braisby highlighted the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme at BNU, which, in collaboration with Innovate UK, helps local organisations mobilize their business ideas with the assistance of academics and research students.
Speaking to the room of delegates, Professor Braisby said 鈥淜nowledge Transfer Partnerships have been supporting businesses to grow for decades and we鈥檙e pleased to have rekindled our involvement in the scheme in recent years.
鈥淜TPs are demonstrative of one of the many benefits that research and enterprise can provide for society and the economy, and on a local level, show what we at BNU can do to support business and innovation here in Buckinghamshire. So indeed, if you have an idea that you need support to mobilise, do consider a KTP with us.鈥
KTPs work by linking a business with a team or individual within the University who has knowledge the business needs, and a highly-skilled graduate who is dedicated to delivering a specific, strategic project for that business.
Innovate UK and other UK funding councils fund up to 67% of the project costs for a KTP with the business supporting the rest, making it a cost-effective route to accessing new knowledge and resource.
A typical KTP project runs for 12-36 months and has a lasting impact on the business, usually creating new capabilities and establishing new skills within their workforce.