Knowledge Exchange
Discover Knowledge Exchange at Kingston University. Read about the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and learn what we are doing to demonstrate our commitment to knowledge sharing.
Knowledge exchange at Kingston University
What is knowledge exchange?
Alongside training future talent, Higher Education Institutions play an important role in the prosperity of our economy and enrichment of society through collaborations and partnerships. Knowledge Exchange (KE) includes activities resulting from these two-way collaborations and partnerships that increase the impact of research outside of academia and allow sharing of experience, ideas, skills and resources that bring mutual benefit.
Through the KERIs (Knowledge Exchange and Research institutes), Kingston University aims to deliver greater societal impact in line with our ambitious Town House Strategy, concentrated around our areas of excellence.
Below you can explore our collaborations and approach to knowledge exchange as well as the benefits of working with Kingston University.
Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) was developed by Research England as a way of assessing how universities benefit society and the economy through the knowledge they create.
It evaluates universities across a number of perspectives and positions, each relative to other universities in a benchmark group (cluster). Evaluation is based on the following perspectives using a series of metrics.
- Intellectual property and commercialisation
- Local growth and regeneration
- Public and community engagement
- Research partnerships
- Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Working with business
- Working with the public and third sector
Kingston University's track record in enabling graduate start-ups and its positive impact on communities was recognised in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).
In the KEF results for 2024, the University was assessed as having very high or high engagement in two of the seven perspectives – continuing professional development (CPD) and graduate start-ups, and public and community engagement. The University also maintained its position across four additional perspectives in the framework, which cover intellectual property and commercialisation, local growth and regeneration, working with business, and working with the public and third sector.
Read our projects and case studies below for examples of the important work Kingston University is doing in knowledge exchange and its impact. Each case study reflects one of the perspectives of the KEF.
If you are interested in exploring collaborative opportunities and getting access to our academic expertise, student support or unique facilities, please get in touch.
Our approaches to knowledge exchange
Kingston University is committed to the creation and sharing of knowledge that impacts its diverse stakeholders through the following approaches:
Research conducted in partnership with business, charities, government bodies, other HEIs or research organisations that range from joint grants to complex multi-partner research programmes.
Training provision driven by industry skill needs which can be in the form of vocational courses, research-based studentships, degree apprenticeships and other business readiness training programmes. The training reflects knowledge gained through academic teaching and research.
Exchanges that range from joint ideation opportunities, access to student talent, set up of fellowships and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to providing opportunities for connecting industry with academics who have the knowledge and experience they require to solve business and innovation problems.
Activities supporting academics and business partners in development of research ideas to a level that will lead to commercialisation and introduction to market for wider use and income generation.
Benefits of doing knowledge exchange activities
Knowledge Exchange has mutual benefit both for the University and the partnering organisation, community members or participants.
Benefits for the external stakeholders are diverse. It can include access to knowledge, skills and facilities at a reduced fee or at times free, access to government funding that require HEI partners, access to cutting-edge research and laboratories that support business development and much more.
The benefits for the university include making a positive difference to society, testing research in practice, developing links with business and industry and gaining new ideas and insight that develop future research ideas and proposals.
Kingston University is committed to both increasing and enhancing knowledge exchange activity.
Want to know more about knowledge exchange at Kingston University?
If you are interested in exploring collaborative opportunities and getting access to our academic expertise, student talent or unique facilities, please send an email to our Partnerships and Business Engagement team.
