Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 February 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 February 2011. It was answered by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Friday, 11 February 2011 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many new Knowledge Transfer Partnerships he expects to be formed in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are one of the mechanisms utilised by the Technology Strategy Board to deliver support for business R and D and innovation. The Technology Strategy Board contributes around 70% of the total annual budget for KTPs, with the remainder coming from 19 other organisations including the Research Councils and other Government Departments.The Technology Strategy Board's annual budget allocation has not been finalised and it is also currently in the process of developing its strategic plan for the upcoming spending review period. Until this process is complete and the business plans of other funders has also been completed, it will not be possible to provide a robust indicator as to the number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships that will be formed in each of the next five years.

Secondary information