The Institute of Knowledge Transfer (IKT) was the sole accredited professional body open to all those who predominantly work in the broad and emerging profession of knowledge transfer.

History

It was established in May 2007 as an 'Institute' with approval of the UK's (previously) Department of Trade and Industry's Secretary of State's, the IKT is a not-for-profit Company By Guarantee. In 2020, the company was dissolved, with many of its functions and capabilities either being transferred to or taken over by Innovate UK KTN, then the Knowledge Transfer Network.

Function

The objectives of the IKT were to assist in the process of turning technology, know-how, expertise and skills into innovative, commercial products and services by improving the standards of competency knowledge transfer practitioners and by stimulating the quality and provision of training. It produced the Exchange magazine every quarter.

Structure

As with other legitimate professional bodies in the UK, membership of the IKT was recognised by the UK HM Revenue and Customs as a tax deductible expense. It was situated on Portland Place (A4201), south of Regent's Park tube station. The IKT was based at the Institute of Physics's headquarters in London UK, but was open to members from any territory. Membership of the IKT was also open to members from both private sector and public sectors working in roles that focus on the exchange and innovative application of knowledge. Under the Presidency of Sir Brian Fender (Chair of BTG plc and ex Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England), the IKT had the support of a host of existing organisations in the knowledge transfer domain (including: AIRTO, UKSPA, HEFCE, the CBI, Welsh Assembly Government, Universities UK, UK Intellectual Property Office, and ProTon Europe, amongst others). It differed from existing organisations in this space in that it was open only to individuals that met established competency criteria. These criteria included relevant educational qualification, relevant career and CPD and was assessed by an independent Membership and Professional Standards Committee (constituted KT professionals in the UK, North America and continental Europe).

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