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.

Please get in touch if you have queries or would like to find out more.

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

The 2021 results are the first to emerge from the newly-created framework. Kingston University is in the top 30% of its cluster in the Skills, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship principle, demonstrating its commitment to equipping our students and graduates with the knowledge and skills to create new businesses, jobs and wealth. It also stands in the top 50% of its cluster in Working with Business and Research Partnerships.

Read our projects and case studies 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.

Kingston University approaches to knowledge exchange

Kingston University is committed to the creation and sharing of knowledge that impacts its diverse stakeholders through the following approaches:

Collaborative research

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

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.

People and information exchange

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.

Commercialisation and development activities

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.

Benefits of doing Knowledge Exchange activities

Knowledge Exchange projects and case studies

Kingston University collaborates on a number of strategic projects including the following.

Building Bridges: rehabilitation of people with complex disabilities

Demonstrating 'Intellectual property and commercialisation'.

Business Support Programmes

Demonstrating: 'Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship'.

Commercial licensing of antibodies developed by Kingston University

Demonstrating 'Intellectual property and commercialisation'.

The Community Brain

Demonstrating 'Public and community engagement'.

ESCAPE Pain

Demonstrating 'Working with the public and third sector'.

HackCentre

Demonstrating 'Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship'.

Not My Beautiful House

Demonstrating 'Public and community engagement'.

South London Partnership and BIG Programme (Business, Innovation & Growth)

Demonstrating 'Local growth and regeneration'.

Supporting Business Start-ups

Demonstrating 'Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship'.

Women in Enterprise Network (KUWEN)

Demonstrating 'Working with business'.

Get in touch

Please contact us if you would like further information 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 get in touch.