Improving collaboration between academia and industry through use of the knowledge transfer partnership

Abstract

Collaboration between the construction industry and academia has always been difficult. Both sides of the equation have different wants, needs and requirements and these are seemingly at odds with each other. However, it is well documented that, despite the challenges involved, the outputs of such collaboration are seemingly very successful. It is against this backdrop that the United Kingdom Government has recognised the importance of facilitating opportunities and helping in the development of models to assist in overcoming the gap between industry and academia. One of these models is the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The KTP model specifically allows businesses to solve issues they have by accessing knowledge and expertise held by academic institutions that otherwise may be out with their reach. In this paper we demonstrate how the Scott Sutherland School (SSS) and Abertay Housing Association (AHA) fostered a partnership with the aid of KTP funding to test/ monitor a solution to upgrade some of their non-traditional housing stock. We found that a deep relationship developed during the initial stages of drafting the funding proposal set the foundation for the rest of the project to date. The partnership has allowed both parties to benefit - AHA has new found knowledge of the performance of their existing housing stock, whilst SSS has added knowledge of steel house behaviour to its expertise of other house types.