Knowledge Transfer Partnership Research Articles

Floreon technology, redefining polylactic acid

Floreon technology, redefining polylactic acid Dr Andrew Gill, CTO, and Dr Sandrine Garnier, CEO of Floreon Technology Ltd., explain how the company is redefining Polylactic Acid, starting with who they are and what they offer. Floreon Technology is an innovative company that emerged from a successful KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) with the University of Sheffield in the UK. Floreon’s technical team has developed expertise in using Polylactic Acid (PLA) to produce a highly robust line of biopolymers for engineering purposes.

From transfer to co-creation: action research perspectives in knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) projects

Action Research (AR) is about practitioners and academics interacting to generate knowledge. Using the University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) literature, we investigate the knowledge generation process through AR and whether this process can achieve the dual objective of practical relevance and theoretical novelty. Our study explores this through an examination of the utilisation of AR within UICs facilitated by the UK government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. Through an inductive, qualitative, multiple case study research design, we analysed three KTP projects, each lasting two years. We observed an evolution in the dynamics of the relationship between practitioners and academics, signifying a transition from mere knowledge transfer to a more participatory process of knowledge co-creation. We found that as the KTP project progresses through successive cycles of the AR spiral, there emerges a shift from single loop to double loop or multi loop learning, resulting in unplanned and emergent benefits and outcomes. This transition signifies a deeper exploration of underlying assumptions and strategies in AR projects, enabling the generation of novel knowledge. We offer a new framework by introducing the collaborative entanglement and linear knowledge enhancement arguments to explain the interaction patterns between researchers and practitioners in AR.

Reporting on the Development of a Web-Based Prototype Dashboard for Construction Design Managers, Achieved through Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM)

Construction Design Management (DM) involves the coordination of design processes and activities to ensure quality project design, yet it involves many challenges. This study reports on a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with a Case Study Organization (CSO) that tackled several issues faced by construction design managers. Employing a design science research methodology (DSRM), qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with purposefully identified design managers uncovered real-world concerns around design co-ordination and performance monitoring. To address these concerns, a web-based design management prototype dashboard was developed using typical project data to aid in the management of design coordination, task prioritization, and reporting functionalities. The web-based Design Management prototype dashboard enhances design management productivity in construction firms by monitoring design production, assessing designer performance trends, and focusing on Technical Queries (TQs) and Requests for Information (RFIs). Digitalizing selected design management processes improves efficiency and productivity. The visual reporting of the dashboard enables design production monitoring at project and portfolio levels, assesses trends in designer performance, and maintains focus on TQs and RFIs. Demonstrating how web-based Design Management dashboards can enhance productivity, this study emphasizes practical solutions derived from employing a design science research methodology. The development and application of the web-based dashboard contribute to the growing evidence that employing design science research methodology in construction can yield tangible solutions to address real-world construction concerns.

Evaluation of a novel biomechanics-informed walking frame, developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between biomechanists and design engineers.

Walking aids such as walking frames offer support during walking, yet paradoxically, people who self-report using them remain more likely to fall than people who do not. Lifting of walking frames when crossing door thresholds or when turning has shown to reduce stability, and certain design features drive the need to lift (e.g. small, non-swivelling wheels at the front). To overcome shortfalls in design and provide better stability, biomechanists and industrial engineers engaged in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to develop a novel walking frame that reduces the need for lifting during everyday tasks. This paper presents the results for the final prototype regarding stability, safety and other aspects of usability. Four studies were conducted that explored the prototype in relation to the current standard frame: a detailed gait lab study of 9 healthy older adults performing repeated trials for a range of everyday tasks provided mechanical measures of stability, a real-world study that involved 9 users of walking frames provided measures of body weight transfer and lifting events, two interview studies (5 healthcare professionals and 7 users of walking frames) elicited stakeholder perceptions regarding stability, safety and usability. Analysis of healthy older adults using a standard walking frame and the prototype frame demonstrated that the prototype increases stability during performance of complex everyday tasks (p < 0.05). Similarly, gait assessments of walking frame users in their home environment showed that the prototype facilitated safer usage patterns and provided greater and more continuous body weight support. Interviews with healthcare professionals and users showed that the prototype was perceived to be safe and effective and hence more usable. The outcomes of the separate studies all support the same conclusion: the prototype is an improvement on the status quo, the typical front-wheeled Zimmer frame for indoor use which has not changed in design for decades. The significance of this work lies in the success of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership and in biomechanics-informed design leading to improvements, which in future may be applied to other walking aids, to benefit walking aid users by promoting safer, more stable use of their aid.

‘Insight unlocked’: Applying a collective intelligence approach to engage employers in informing local skills improvement planning

This paper demonstrates how the innovative application of a Collective Intelligence approach enhanced Local Skills Improvement Planning information for employers, education and skills training organisations and regional economic policy organisations. This took place within a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between a Chamber of Commerce and a University. This aimed to develop and deploy regional business intelligence for enhanced policy and decision-making in enterprise and economic development. The project converged knowledge from several research centres including economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, data science, and Artificial Intelligence. The paper presents a project case study which provides two contributions to applied knowledge. Firstly, it demonstrates how a Collective Intelligence (CI) approach can be applied to achieve rapid results in resolving the real-world problem of local skills information availability. Useful real-time data was gathered from employers in three sectors on skills requirements, supply and training. This was analysed using Artificial Intelligence tools, then shared publicly via an automated Internet portal, providing a scalable model for wider use. Secondly, it explores and evaluates how the knowledge exchange (KE) process can function effectively and quickly in applying CI-based innovation in practical ways which create new value, within a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between a University and Chamber of Commerce.environment.

Collaborating with a Scottish Heritage Brand towards Enhancing and Preserving Sustainable Artisan Hand-Weaving Practices through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership

This paper discusses a Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) with a global Scottish heritage brand to develop a year-round sustainable business model through a design-led approach to new product innovation that improves their sustainability credentials. Sustainability in textile production is under increasing scrutiny from the media, governments, regulators, and consumers, all demanding transparency in the supply chain. The company has an excellent track record of sustainable employment in rural communities and sought through the project to improve their production processes and waste output. Sustainability is a vast topic, where collaboration can help to address these key challenges. The company manages an artisan hand-weaving manufacturing system where yarn production and fabric finishing are regulated by the 1993 Harris Tweed Act of Parliament that protects and restricts production to the Outer Hebrides. The success or failure of the Harris Tweed® industry directly impacts the wider economy of the Outer Hebrides, which is considered “remote, rural, fragile” by UK and Scottish governments and their economic development agencies. The paper describes how academic/business collaboration can positively encourage innovation and help reposition businesses within a changing economic and sustainable landscape that explores these new opportunities. The paper reflects on how KTPs are a mechanism with mutual benefits, where pooling individual knowledge and resources can develop strong, sustainable, and authentic relationships that can provide tangible impacts of new knowledge generation and application within a scholarly and research context that can be clearly aligned to notions of bringing value to the sector, users, and the curriculum.

Health and Well‐Being Special Issue

International Journal of Art & Design EducationVolume 42, Issue 2 p. 212-215 Editorial Health and Well-Being Special Issue Claire Penketh, Corresponding Author Claire Penketh [email protected] Search for more papers by this authorDeborah Riding, Deborah Riding [email protected] Search for more papers by this author Claire Penketh, Corresponding Author Claire Penketh [email protected] Search for more papers by this authorDeborah Riding, Deborah Riding [email protected] Search for more papers by this author First published: 14 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/jade.12463Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL References All-Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing (2017) Inquiry Report, Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing. Available at: https://ncch.org.uk/uploads/Creative_Health_Inquiry_Report_2017_-_Second_Edition.pdf (Accessed 9 May 2023). Daykin, N., Atwood, M. & Willis, J. (2013) Supporting arts and health evaluation: report of a UK knowledge transfer partnership, Journal of Applied Arts and Health, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 179– 90. de la Pena, D., Jones Allen, D., Hester, R. T., Hou, J., Lawson, L. J. & McNally, J. (2017) Design as Democracy: Techniques for Collective Creativity. Washington, Covelo, London: Island Press. Fancourt, D. & Finn, S. (2019) What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review Health Evidence Network Synthesis Report 67 The World Health Organisation. Available at: https://www.artsandhealth.ie/research-evaluation/who-report-what-is-the-evidence-on-the-role-of-the-arts-in-improving-health-and-well-being-a-scoping-review/ (Accessed 9 May 2023). Fancourt, D., Warran, K. & Aughterson, H. (2020) Evidence summary for policy: The role of arts in improving health and wellbeing University College London Report to the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evidence-summary-for-policy-the-role-of-arts-in-improving-health-and-wellbeing (Accessed 9 May 2023). Moss, H. & O'Neill, D. (2019) The role of the curator in modern hospitals: a transcontinental perspective, The Journal of Medical Humanities, Vol. 40, pp. 85– 100. Moss, H., Donnellan, C. & O'Neill, D. (2012) A review of qualitative methodologies used to explore patient perceptions of arts and healthcare, The Journal of Medical Humanities, Vol. 38, pp. 106– 9. Thomson, L. J. & Chatterjee, H. J. (2022) Heritage, creativity and wellbeing: approaches for evaluating the impact of cultural participation using the UCL museum wellbeing measures, in P. Everill & K. Burnell [Eds] Archaeology, Heritage and Wellbeing: Authentic, Powerful and Therapeutic Engagement with the Past. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, pp. 61– 87. World Health Organisation (2023) Mental Health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response (Accessed 9 May 2023). Volume42, Issue2Special Issue: Health and Well‐beingMay 2023Pages 212-215 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Articulating inherent values of action research for newcomers coming from the field of territorial development

This paper discusses the inherent values of action research for newcomers coming from the field of territorial development. The discussion is framed around three dimensions: 1) inquiring about problematic situations in real-time; 2) contextual-temporal qualities of the process; and 3) reflecting-acting on what we have reasons to value being and doing as researchers, participants, facilitative actors, and citizens. The conceptualisation builds on theoretical influences, most notably the writings of John Dewey and action research for territorial development, and my own practice. Two cases are discussed. One is about a Knowledge Transfer Partnership in Scotland, and the other is with regards to on-going work in the wine-producing territory of British Columbia, Canada.

Developing a transformational digital strategy in an SME: the role of responsible management

Based on the case study of an SME company in the United Kingdom (which we will call SweetStar Cloud), this paper examines the attempts of the company to achieve significant strategic change. The company is attempting to move from being a tradition managed service provider of information services towards becoming a significant influencer in the market for digital services in the UK. As part of a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP), a local UK University has been closely involved in developing this new strategic direction and it is well poised to present and analyse the story. From the use of tried and tested strategic tools, including Porter's generic strategies and segmentation and targeting, the company has also embraced digital-specific approaches for developing partnerships with clients, developing pilot projects and experimenting with its use of social media. At the heart of this research is an analysis of the move from push marketing towards models of attraction. This paper aims to explore how traditional strategic tools are still applicable in the digital era alongside new tactical approaches in the digital sector. This aim has led to an approach to business that is responsible, in terms of moving away from a traditional push-selling model to one of partnership with customers at a strategic level. Strategy in dynamic markets often highlights responsiveness as a key success factor. The ability to respond (a response-ability) requires more agile companies. As SweetStar Cloud has developed its strategy, it has focused in achieving this more effective ability to respond through a more collaborative approach. In this sense, agile response-ability converges with business responsibility, as new abilities in communication, cooperation and trust development become key.

Developing a transformational digital strategy in an SME: The role of responsible management

Based on the case study of an SME company in the United Kingdom (which we will call SweetStar Cloud), this paper examines the attempts of the company to achieve significant strategic change. The company is attempting to move from being a tradition managed service provider of Information Services towards becoming a significant influencer in the market for digital services in the UK. As part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), a local UK University has been closely involved in developing this new strategic direction and it is well poised to present and analyse the story. From the use of tried and tested strategic tools, including Porter’s Generic Strategies and segmentation and targeting, the company has also embraced digital-specific approaches for developing partnerships with clients, developing pilot projects and experimenting with its use of social media. At the heart of this research is an analysis of the move from push marketing towards models of attraction. This paper aims to explore how traditional strategic tools are still applicable in the digital era alongside new tactical approaches in the digital sector. This aim has led to an approach to business that is responsible, in terms of moving away from a traditional push-selling model to one of partnership with customers at a strategic level. Strategy in dynamic markets often highlights responsiveness as a key success factor. The ability to respond (a response-ability) requires more agile companies. As SweetStar Cloud has developed its strategy, it has focused in achieving this more effective ability to respond through a more collaborative approach. In this sense, agile response-ability converges with business responsibility, as new abilities in communication, cooperation and trust development become key.

Exploring effects of cryotherapy modalities on pain, muscle strength and joint position sense in healthy participants with induced knee pain

Keywords: Cryotherapy; Compression; Rehabilitation Purpose: In the current guidelines for acute injury management ‘optimal loading’ has been introduced to facilitate early activity to optimise recovery. Although studies have identified potential adverse effects on muscle performance and knee joint repositioning following ice, evidence supports the use of cryotherapy to provide short-term pain relief. Cryotherapy interventions which can provide short-term pain relief, yet minimise adverse effects, would allow early activity with a lower risk of injury. This study utilised a targeted compressive-cryotherapy approach on experimentally induced knee pain in healthy participants and explored the effects on muscle strength and joint position sense. Methods: 10 healthy participants (7 females, 3 males; 32.9 ± 11.6 years) were induced with experimental knee pain using capsaicin cream (0.075%). Topical capsaicin is a common experimental pain method and was applied to the participant's skin on the medial aspect of the non-dominant knee. A randomised crossover design was adopted, exploring two 20-minute cryotherapy interventions, (1) ice (wetted: 400 g cubed ice, 400 ml water) and (2) Swellaway (10 °C, 50 mmHg compression), during separate testing sessions. Four outcome measures were explored: (i) participant-reported numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), (ii) pressure pain threshold (PPT), (iii) quadriceps muscle strength and (iv) joint position sense (JPS). These outcomes were recorded at four time points: pre-capsaicin cream application (T1), post-capsaicin (T2), post-cooling intervention (T3) and 20-minutes post-cooling (T4). Repeated measures ANOVAs (3 × 2) with post-hoc pairwise comparisons were used to assess change in outcomes between time points. Results: Complete pain relief (≥93% pain reduction) was achieved immediately post-cooling in 7 participants for Swellaway and in 4 participants for ice. Participant NPRS was reduced by 100% (Swellaway) and 91% (ice) 20-minutes post-cooling. No statistically significant differences were found in short-term pain relief between interventions. Significant increases in PPT were found between post-capsaicin and post-cooling (27% increase) and between post-capsaicin and 20-minutes post-cooling (20% increase) following Swellaway. No significant differences were found in PPT between any time points following ice. Ice reduced quadriceps strength by 13% immediately post-cooling. Swellaway had a negligible effect on muscle strength immediately post-cooling (+0.3%). The strength deficit post ice was almost double the percentage reduction (6%) associated with clinically important functional deficits in people with knee osteoarthritis. Significant increases were found in range of motion (ROM) in the coronal plane following ice, which indicates increased instability (adduction/abduction). Despite not being statistically significant, a trend of increased instability (14%) in the transverse plane ROM 20-minutes post-cooling was most apparent following the ice (P = 0.053). Conclusion(s): Targeted compressive-cryotherapy has the potential to achieve short-term pain relief, as demonstrated on healthy participants with experimentally induced knee pain. The results suggest a targeted approach can also minimise the negative effects on muscle strength, dynamic stability and knee joint repositioning, which may traditionally have discouraged early optimal loading post cryotherapy. This would allow individuals to return to weight-bearing rehabilitation exercises earlier, at a lower risk of re-injury post-intervention. Impact: Clinicians could consider utilising targeted compressive-cryotherapy to provide a short-term pain relief and minimise the reported adverse effects following cryotherapy, facilitating early weight-bearing rehabilitation. Funding acknowledgements: This research was carried out as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Central Lancashire and Swellaway.

PARTNERSHIP IN OPEN INNOVATIONS – EXPERIENCE FROM THE AGRICULTURAL MARKET: POLAND CASE STUDY

The ability to build and manage a knowledge transfer partnership is one of the most highly demanded skills. Knowledge is widely dispersed, so it should be acquired from the environment. For this purpose, partnerships should be established with different entities. Presumably, the most mature type of partnership is the innovation ecosystem. Hence empirical research was conducted among Poland’s Grupa Azoty (GA) Puławy's consortium members based on an in-depth, partially structured interview, supported by an analysis of several innovation ecosystems of chemical companies. The aim of the research was to assess the phenomenon of open innovations in the GA along with the characteristics of the selection of partners, cooperation strategies and declared resources for jointly implemented projects.

Insight from data analytics in a facilities management company

AbstractFacilities management (FM) of large public services is commonly outsourced to a specialist provider. Extensive data is collected on a wide range of operational tasks. Often, limited use is made of this data beyond operational considerations. Increasing availability of sophisticated data integration systems makes it possible to develop bespoke data science solutions to improve the efficiency, speed and accuracy of commonly encountered tasks. A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (a funding scheme of Innovate UK) was set‐up between Newcastle University and a large FM provider. Within this project, data science has been effectively applied to improve service delivery in three different case studies: (1) designing routing algorithms for scheduling of staff allocation to jobs, (2) using natural language processing for automatically raising work orders from help desk emails, (3) development of algorithms to optimise the placement of charging points for the transition of fleets of commercial vehicles from diesel to electric powered. For each case study, we show how the data science work has contributed to improvement of FM by: (1) maximising the productivity of engineers, (2) reducing the time taken to process help desk emails, (3) creating a data‐driven method to provide objective decision support for charger placement, respectively. The research in this paper is based on a contract with a local authority where the FM company provides planned and reactive maintenance for a range of assets in corporate buildings, hospitals and schools. In addition to describing the data science solutions, we will also discuss issues around knowledge transfer from data scientist to operational staff and how change management processes were employed in this project to embed the new working practices.

Exploring Sports Nutrition Knowledge in Elite Gaelic Footballers.

Nutrition intake plays a crucial role in improving athletic performance, enhancing adaptations to training, and augmenting recovery from exercise. However, research has reported that Gaelic footballers consistently fail to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations. Sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) can influence the dietary intake of athletes, and therefore has the potential to have a significant impact on athletic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the current level of SNK in elite Gaelic footballers (n = 100). An online version of the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) was used to assess sports SNK. The overall mean SNK scores for Gaelic footballers and practitioners were 47.6 ± 12.3% and 78.1 ± 8.3%, respectively. There were no differences in knowledge between age groups, education level or divisional status. The top three sources of nutrition information identified by participants were team dietitian/nutritionists (84.0%), athletic trainers/strength and conditioning coaches (73%), and social media (37%). The results show that there is a major gap in the SNK of Gaelic footballers, while practitioners demonstrated a promising SNK, that could support Gaelic footballers. There is a need for development of interventions and knowledge transfer partnerships, including more effective methods of educating Gaelic footballers and translating sports nutrition principles to players. Developing appropriate nutritional education strategies using online resources and mobile applications could help to improve nutritional knowledge and practice of Gaelic footballers.

Developing a transformational digital strategy in an SME: The role of responsible management

Based on the case study of an SME company in the United Kingdom (which we will call SweetStar Cloud), this paper examines the attempts of the company to achieve significant strategic change. The company is attempting to move from being a tradition managed service provider of Information Services towards becoming a significant influencer in the market for digital services in the UK. As part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), a local UK University has been closely involved in developing this new strategic direction and it is well poised to present and analyse the story. From the use of tried and tested strategic tools, including Porter’s Generic Strategies and segmentation and targeting, the company has also embraced digital-specific approaches for developing partnerships with clients, developing pilot projects and experimenting with its use of social media. At the heart of this research is an analysis of the move from push marketing towards models of attraction. This paper aims to explore how traditional strategic tools are still applicable in the digital era alongside new tactical approaches in the digital sector. This aim has led to an approach to business that is responsible, in terms of moving away from a traditional push-selling model to one of partnership with customers at a strategic level. Strategy in dynamic markets often highlights responsiveness as a key success factor. The ability to respond (a response-ability) requires more agile companies. As SweetStar Cloud has developed its strategy, it has focused in achieving this more effective ability to respond through a more collaborative approach. In this sense, agile response-ability converges with business responsibility, as new abilities in communication, cooperation and trust development become key.

Putting UK research within reach

Putting UK research within reach

Comparison of four major industrial disasters from the perspective of human error factor

This paper presents the preliminary findings of a project still in progress at INCDPM regarding” Knowledge transfer partnership and research development in the assessment and prevention of occupational risks which may conduct to disaster”. After studying the major industrial disasters of our times, it become clear that even with technological advancement, human error is still the major cause of accidents and incidents. Analysis of human error and their role in accidents is an important part of developing systematic methods for reliability in the industry and risk prediction. To obtain data for predictive analysis is necessary to analyse accidents and incidents to identify its causes in terms of component failures and human errors. Therefore, a proper understanding of human factors in the workplace is an important aspect in the prevention of accidents, and human factors should be considered in any program to prevent those that are caused by human error. The comparison between four major industrial disasters (Chernobyl, Bhopal, Deepwater Horizon, Alpha Piper) was made using Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), a modified version of “Swiss Cheese” model that describes the levels at which active failures and latent failures/conditions may occur within complex operations.

Determining the ideal mattress firmness based on anthropometric measurements

Introduction: Mattresses need to provide enough support to keep spinal alignment close to a neutral posture, whilst minimising muscle activity and providing optimum pressure relief. There is limited evidence to sug­gest that a 'one size fits all' mattress provides the appropriate support for individuals with diverse body shapes, so a greater understanding of how different mattresses affect the human body is key. By having a more objective approach to choosing a mattress an individual may have an improved quality of sleep. Materials and methods: A ten-camera infrared movement analysis sys­tem recorded the movement of retro-reflective markers placed on the Upper-Mid Thoracic, Mid-Lower Thoracic, Lower Thoracic-Upper Lumbar, Upper-Lower Lumbar and Lower Lumbar-Pelvic areas of the spine. A static image of the spine was taken in a standing position and was used to define each individual's neutral posture. Deviations away from this neutral po­sition were assessed under three different conditions in side lying. Three visually identical mattresses were tested, internally each mattress con­tained a different firmness of spring unit (soft, medium, firm) with an identical gel foam comfort layer. In addition, height, weight, shoulder width and hip circumference measurements were taken to determine differences in body types. Results: Spinal alignment was assessed on 59 healthy participants and no significant differences were seen between the different mattress config­urations. However, further analysis showed significant differences in spi­nal alignment between the different mattress conditions within different body shape subgroups. Subgroups were defined using body weight, height, BMI, shoulder width and hip circumference. Those with a higher body weight had a more neutral spinal alignment when on a firmer mattress, whereas those with a lower body weight were better suited to a softer mattress. Shorter people were better aligned on a softer mattress, and a medium mattress kept the spine in a more neutral position amongst taller people. There were no differentiating factors between shoulder width or BMI groups. However, those with a larger hip circumference had signifi­cantly greater spinal deviations when on a softer mattress. implying that a softer mattress should be avoided by this subgroup. Conclusions: This study suggests that a ·one size fits all' approach to mattresses may not be appropriate. Contrasting body types need different levels of support to improve overall spinal alignment, allowing the inter­vertebral disc to re-hydrate, and spinal muscles to relax throughout the night. The use of simple anthropometric measurements could make the selection of the most appropriate mattress easier for the general public. Acknowledgements: This is part of an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Central Lancashire and Silentnight Group Ltd.

Combining hydraulic modelling with partnership working: towards practical natural flood management

The UK government’s Future Flooding Inquiry called for more integrative methods to respond to flood risk management challenges. The 25-year plan for the environment, A Green Future (published by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2018), has reiterated the requirement for integrated catchment management. There is growing acceptance that natural flood management (NFM) can complement traditional urban flood defence schemes. This paper examines the outcomes of a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) between Waterco Consultants and the University of Liverpool which explores some of the challenges of implementing what appear to be relative simple NFM measures. Through a multidisciplinary partnership, the KTP project explored multiple delivery challenges. Using case study evidence from north-west England, the paper demonstrates the need for combining partnership working with more traditional hydraulic modelling approaches that can predict the potential flood risk reduction benefits of multiple NFM features, combined with the need to design structurally resilient interventions, so that appropriate permits can be approved. One of the key findings is that while NFM can contribute to flood risk alleviation, with multiple socio-environmental benefits, NFM can only be part of a more holistic approach. Primary evidence for hard and soft engineering measures, combined with use of automated attenuation management, could provide opportunities for more significant integrated flood risk benefits.

Supporting open innovation with the use of a balanced scorecard approach: a study on deep smarts and effective knowledge transfer to SMEs

This study aims to develop the theory of knowledge management and organizational performance within a small and medium enterprise (SME) context using action research (AR) involving a higher education institution (HEI) and an SME. The vehicle for the knowledge exchange was Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), the United Kingdom’s primary mechanism for delivering government funded knowledge transfer to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). KTPs facilitate knowledge exchange from HEIs to SMEs via the recruitment of a graduate plus an academic supervisor from the partnering HEI. The AR study was an award-winning KTP and the project deliverable included the implementation of a balanced scorecard for the SME to improve organizational performance. The transfer of knowledge was subsequently fed-back into the university in order to develop a performance framework for measuring the effectiveness of KTP research within the HEI in order to share knowledge and improve effective for other KTP projects.