Understanding the Knowledge Transfer Partnership
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a UK government‑backed scheme that connects businesses with universities and talented graduates to tackle real‑world challenges. For Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), the partnership with high‑performance outerwear brand ThruDark marks the institution’s inaugural KTP, positioning it as a leading collaborator in the creative industries.
How a KTP Works
- Three parties: The company, an industry partner, the university and a recent graduate work together on a project that delivers tangible benefits for the business.
- Scope: Projects run from nine to twelve months and are governed by a clear charter that outlines objectives, deliverables and success criteria.
- Funding: The scheme is financed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK, freeing up corporate budgets for research‑driven outcomes.
For AUB, the KTP offers an opportunity to showcase its expertise in digital fashion, apply academic research in a commercial context and provide graduates with industry‑direct experience.
ThruDark’s Vision for Digital Fashion
Founded on the belief that performance clothing can be both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible, ThruDark seeks to place digital creation at the core of its development pipeline. By collaborating with AUB, the brand aims to:
- Increase new product development productivity by 33 %
- Improve garment fit and cut returns by 35 %
- Cut the number of physical samples required by 50 %
These objectives translate into measurable gains: faster go‑to‑market, reduced material waste and a significant drop in the company’s carbon footprint.
AUB’s Role in the Partnership
With its MA Digital Fashion Innovation programme, AUB brings a multidisciplinary skill set that blends design, technology and sustainability. Key contributions include:
- Developing digital assets such as 3D garments, technical specifications and virtual prototypes.
- Creating realistic avatar models from existing physical patterns to test fit in a virtual environment.
- Training ThruDark’s design and production teams in digital workflows, ensuring a seamless transition to new methods.
Professor Penny Norman, Course Leader of the MA Digital Fashion Innovation and the project’s knowledge‑base lead, emphasises that “digital design, prototyping and production are the most effective levers to reduce the environmental impact of clothing, especially at the design stage.”
Impact on Sustainability
By shifting a large portion of the product life cycle to digital, ThruDark can identify and resolve fit issues, sizing errors and material inefficiencies before any physical garment is produced. This approach not only trims material waste but also cuts downstream waste from returns and recalls. With 80 % of a garment’s environmental impact arising during the design phase, the partnership demonstrates how digital tools directly support carbon‑reduction strategies.
Graduate‑Led Innovation
One of the unique aspects of a KTP is the placement of a recent graduate on the project. AUB will welcome a graduate in September to work closely with ThruDark’s team and AUB’s faculty. Responsibilities will include:
- Digitising past collections for future reuse.
- Producing new digital assets and avatars.
- Supporting skill‑transfer sessions that up‑skill the client’s staff.
The role gives the graduate hands‑on experience with a commercial brand, a rare opportunity that enhances employability and provides a portfolio of real‑world deliverables.
Broader Implications for the Creative Industries
As part of the UK’s commitment to a low‑carbon economy, the KTP showcases how university‑led research and industrial practice can converge to accelerate sustainability in fashion. Other brands and universities can draw lessons from:
- Structured partnership frameworks that allow rapid proof‑of‑concept testing.
- Early integration of digital design into the product development cycle.
- Co‑creation of talent pipelines that deliver industry‑ready graduates.
Given the rising consumer demand for ethical and transparent supply chains, initiatives like this set a new benchmark for responsible garment manufacturing.
Next Steps for Interested Students and Partners
For students dreaming of a career that blends design, technology and sustainability, AUB’s MA Digital Fashion Innovation offers a curriculum that is tightly aligned with industry needs. The programme prepares graduates to work with KTPs and other collaborative projects, equipping them with the skills to drive digital transformation.
Potential partners looking to reduce waste and speed up product cycles might find the KTP model appealing. AUB’s proven track record in creative research and the tangible results of the ThruDark partnership provide a roadmap for scaling digital innovations across the sector.
To learn more about how Arts University Bournemouth can help your brand embrace digital and sustainable practices, explore our MA Digital Fashion Innovation programme and discover the next frontier in ethical fashion.
Call to Action
Ready to take advantage of cutting‑edge digital solutions in fashion? Apply now to the MA Digital Fashion Innovation and join a network of innovators shaping the future of apparel. Contact us for a personalised discussion about how a partnership could benefit your business. Book an open day to see our facilities and meet faculty who are actively researching and collaborating with industry.
