The University of Greenwich has successfully secured a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) grant of £180,000 from Innovate UK to implement a transformative digital manufacturing project. In collaboration with Moorside Precision Limited, a Dorset-based specialist in high-quality manufacturing, the university will lead an initiative focused on digital transformation and the integration of emerging technologies into production value chains through AI-driven product development, digital manufacturing and sustainable innovation. The University of Greenwich team delivering this project includes Associate Professor Chi Hieu Le, Professor Rasoul Khandan, Dr Shalini Mohanty, and Dr Zarak Khan
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships connect businesses with academia to deliver innovative projects. Graduates or postgraduates are recruited as KTP Associates to work on these projects within companies, supervised by both academic and business experts and gaining valuable experience, and enhanced career prospects. Businesses benefit through acquiring new capabilities, skills, and competitive advantage through innovation. Universities strengthen industry links while generating practical research and impact. Government funding subsidises the costs, making transformative projects accessible to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking to embed graduate talent and emerging knowledge. Finally, the UK economy benefits from increased productivity and innovation, creating a collaborative win-win ecosystem.
Addressing the digital gap in UK manufacturing
This partnership addresses a critical challenge facing many UK SMEs: the transition from traditional, skill-based operations to a digitally enabled enterprise. Without integrated systems for quality management, quoting, resource planning and process optimisation, companies face challenges meeting the demanding standards of high-value sectors such as aerospace, defence and healthcare, as well as international export markets. The University of Greenwich will help Moorside Precision Limited undergo a digital overhaul, moving from traditional operations to becoming a regional leader in digital manufacturing. This will allow them to diversify into overseas exports and high-growth sectors, achieve sustainable growth and ensure long-term competitiveness.
According to UKRI Business Connect, KTPs have proven highly effective for driving economic growth, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy between 2010 and 2020, and currently supporting around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (including universities), and over 850 graduates.
Informing teaching
The KTP will contribute to the development of programmes at the University of Greenwich across the School of Engineering and will support postgraduate researcher engagement. The KTP is expected to embed long-term knowledge exchange and position the university as a leading institution in knowledge exchange partnerships.
Ambitious targets and sustainable impact
This KTP is built on ambitious targets designed to ensure a significant return on investment. It aims to increase Moorside’s customer base fivefold within three years and is expected to generate £1 million a year over the next five years through new products and services. This speaks to the UK government’s ambition to nearly double annual business investment in advanced manufacturing from £21 billion to £39 billion by 2035.
By aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, the project fosters sustainable industrialisation and responsible production. The transition to digital manufacturing is a key driver for reaching Net Zero targets by reducing material waste and energy consumption through process optimisation and innovative solutions for effective lifecycle management.
Leading the Way in Digital Manufacturing and Sustainable Innovation
Reflecting on the successful funding and the road ahead, Associate Professor Chi Hieu Le shared his vision for the collaboration:
"This KTP project will cultivate a new generation of change-making human resources for our industrial partner, supporting their transition from traditional, skill-based operations to digital manufacturing and AI-driven product development. In doing so, we are shaping innovative frameworks for how traditional manufacturing can thrive in the digital age, ensuring the UK manufacturing sector remains globally competitive.
Furthermore, this partnership provides our researchers and students with invaluable real-world insights into digital transformation and modern industrial practices. This speaks to our 2030 strategy and ensures our teaching and research remain at the forefront of emerging applications, enabling technologies, and innovations influenced by AI and smart manufacturing.”
Dr. Lily Meng, Managing Director of Moorside Precision Limited and a key driver behind the project, emphasises the strategic importance of this university-industry collaboration:
"Moorside Precision Limited is prioritising upskilling our staff in emerging technologies to become a digitally enabled enterprise and achieve our strategic targets. This KTP with the University of Greenwich allows us to bridge the gap between world-class academic research and practical industrial application.
