|
 |
|
|
July 2008 update for members
We launched IKT in May last year with the aim of building a new professional institute that supports individuals involved in knowledge transfer, regardless of whether they work in the public, private or intermediary sectors or which role they play in supporting the innovation process. We are building a framework to help members develop their careers and maximise their contribution of knowledge to industrial, regional, social and economic development. We are developing our offering around our three key themes:
Career development
Membership of the Institute is recognised as an indicator of professional capability and we strongly encourage continued learning and development through both formal and informal means.
We have set up a working group, led by Dr Douglas Robertson, which is formulating IKT's approach to the accreditation of courses and training opportunities available to KT professionals. This work encompasses a review of the existing provision of courses and training at various levels of expertise and experience and will include liaison with course providers to ensure that the design of courses meet with the evolving requirements of KT practitioners.
In the near future, we will be launching:
- a mentoring framework - an on-line system to identify suitable mentors and mentees with supporting guidance and brochure;
- a CPD tracker to enable members to monitor their own personal development programmes.
Communications and network building
IKT provides access to a growing network of knowledge transfer professionals, providing you with the opportunity to collaborate, share and develop good practice. In the near future, we will be organising networking events and joint conferencing with other KT partner associations. During the early part of this year we launched two platforms to facilitate member communication and networking:
• IKT's professional network and community of practice dedicated to facilitating innovation and business development by bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers and investors in one place (www.ginnn.com). As well as being able to view and access the broader network of KT practitioners (currently over 2,300 already registered), IKT has its own closed group, restricted to IKT members, which we are using to communicate with our members and may be used to facilitate discussions and post news, events and articles on topics of interest to IKT members. This month we will also be offering you free access to all the normally paid for articles (usually £66 a year) published by ScienceBusiness within your member group on www.ginnn.com. We will let you know as soon as these are available. You will have already received your login details to access GInnN and we would encourage you to explore the platform. If you need a reminder of your login password or need help with navigating and operating the site please contact robin.bates@ikt.org.uk.
• 'Conversations' the IKT Blog capturing the thoughts and opinions of leading KT professionals (www.iktblog.com). We would encourage your participation whether it be as a blogger or just reading and leaving your thoughts and comments.
You should have also have just received a copy of 'Exchange', the first edition of a regular newsletter which includes articles on knowledge transfer and innovation that are aimed at a wide readership as well as information on the operations of IKT. This is available in hard and electronic copy and further copies can be requested for distribution to your colleagues and around your organisations. Feedback, ideas and submission of articles for future publications should be sent to Moana Pledger MInstKT editor@ikt.org.uk by the 18th of July.
Enhancing the profession
IKT will be working to define and develop knowledge transfer as a valued and recognised profession by:
- promoting the exchange of good practice between different KT communities and other professional bodies (including those relevant to the development of IKT);
- building a network of high-level supporters of IKT who will help extend our reach geographically and enhance the connectivity between relevant KT interests;
- commissioning and reviewing articles on the development of the policy and practice of KT;
- exploring the intellectual underpinning of KT; and
- launching a peer-reviewed, practice oriented, e-journal.
We have also just launched a project with HEFCE to publish the HEIF 3 and 4 funding strategies on the IKT website. These will be available later in the year and will be searchable by organisation and activity type.
Other developments
At the Annual General Meeting in April, we announced the results of the membership elections and we are delighted to welcome Dr Gerald Black - Senior KTP Adviser, Dr Cathy Garner - CEO Manchester Knowledge Capital and Prof. Barry Winn - Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) University of Hull as member elected members of the IKT Board. Interest in the elections was high with over 50% of members exercising their vote. We are encouraged by this level of membership participation and look forward to welcoming more members onto the Board in future years as membership numbers increase.
Key to IKT's success will be its ability to grow its membership numbers in each of its constituent groups and engage with the KT community. We have launched a number of marketing initiatives but would encourage you to let us know about events, conferences within your employee organisation or other forums where you think the IKT activities may be of interest.
We very much value your continued membership of IKT and look forward to working with you in the future.
![Dr Philip Graham [Executive Director]](http://www.generator.co.za/newsletters/ikt/july-2008/images/signature.gif)
Dr Philip Graham
Executive Director |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
New to the IKT Board
Dr Cathy Garner
CEO Manchester Knowledge Capital
Dr Gerry Black
Senior KTP Adviser
Prof Barry Winn
Pro Vice Chancellor
(Research and Enterprise) University of Hull |
|
|
|
 |
|
