A number of schemes exist that are designed to assist companies to undertake or commission research and development or technology-transfer work. The following provides an overview of some of the schemes that may be relevant to your business. In all cases there is a requirement for some of the funding to come from the beneficiary of the work, but in many cases this can be in-kind contribution (i.e. time, materials, access to production facilities...)
There is no single source of information and advice to suit all needs, but much useful information is published freely on the internet, and most users will find that a few hours on-line research will be worth the effort. While carefully chosen keywords in conjunction with a search engine should turn up some good results, the following websites are good places for UK businesses to start their research.
In this section of the website there are some extra details about funding schemes in which we have a particular interest as a Knowledge Transfer Network. Many of the Knowledge Transfer Networks receive an allocation of EPSRC Industrial CASE awards and may also have access to some other discretionary funding.
The Business Link website provides information that is useful from a business perspective and incorporates a number of processes to help locate information on funding mechanisms and other background information. The current trend is for a more regional focus on support for innovation. The nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) each provide their own information on the funding mechanisms that are available in their regions.