Aston University- Business support Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) Tony Jay Business Partnership Unit

Knowledge Transfer- KEEN The Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) is a new business improvement programme, part-funded by ERDF, designed to help West Midlands based SME's increase their profitability and achieve growth through working with a regional university. Transfer of knowledge into business by an Affiliate who is recruited to work full-time on a growth project developed in association with Aston Business led Flexible: 6 – 24 months Part funded for company by ERDF

Knowledge Transfer- KEEN A graduate (Affiliate) employed by the company, working full-time on a bespoke project On-going mentoring and support from university experts for the Affiliate, ensuring that project objectives are met Access to the university’s resources and facilities Total project value ca. £90,000 (£45,000 for ABS) for a 2 year project

Knowledge Transfer- KEEN Available to SMEs in the West Midlands Micro businesses may be considered if they are able to demonstrate a commitment to the management of the Affiliate Broad subject content Straight forward application, swift approval, company recruitment Affiliates can come from outside of the West Midlands, ensuring that optimum talent and skills are recruited to the project KEEN is highly responsive

KEEN –benefits for ABS Impact Income New research themes and contacts Published papers Expanding your research into practice Development – sector / commercial awareness Strategic relationship with company Teaching materials, case studies and student projects Graduate career opportunities

Aston University- Business support Tony Jay Business Partnership Unit