The airto community is one of the largest networks of its kind in Europe. airto consists of the United Kingdom’s leading independent research and technology organisations. Members include Research Associations and Laboratories, Universities Innovation Centres and Companies. Their activities span a wide range of disciplines from life sciences to engineering (details are available by requesting the airto List of Members or via the airto website listing.The airto community is independent of government, although many of its members serve the public sector in a variety of capacities.

The sector in which airto operates (the Independent Research and Technology Sector) comprises companies and organisations working for clients and end users in industry, business, commerce and government on the activities that underpin the adoption of new technologies and technological innovation. Examples of these activities are:

• Applied technology research and development
• Technology adaptation for new uses
• IP commercialisation and new business development
• Knowledge transfer and dissemination of best practice
• Standardisation, certification and accreditation
• Training

This very necessary work does not fall within the remit of university research departments. It is frequently outsourced because it is beyond the competence of in-house resources, is non-core or requires an independent third party certification or 'stamp of approval'.

The sector serving this market includes organisations close to the HEI research base, such as university technology transfer and enterprise offices. At the other end of the spectrum there are companies and organisations focusing on updating day-to-day operating practices in thier sectors of industry as new technology and regulations emerge.

The airto member community employs over 20,000 scientists and engineers and has an annual collective turnover approaching £1½ billion. Together, airto’s members strengthen industrial performance through consultancy, applied research, design, technology development, value-added knowledge transfer, technology transfer, early-stage investment in commercial exploitation, information management, skills provision and training, materials and product evaluation and the provision of leading-edge test facilities and services.

Knowledge Transfer Networks

airto members are leaders in the development of Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) which succeeded the DTI’s successful ‘Faraday Partnership’ initiative. The KTNs bring together industry (both large companies and SMEs), intermediaries (airto members), the Research Councils, Universities and Government Departments and Agencies. airto holds the view that KTNs are an expert catalyst for applied research collaboration. The Network manager must be able to define the needs of industry and convert such needs into an agenda to which the academic research community can respond. airto members are uniquely positioned and qualified to fulfil this function. They help to ensure that KTNs are market-driven and that the research contributes to UK wealth creation and social benefit.

Practitioners in research, technology and
commercial business

airto companies believe that to be effective they must practice what they preach. They are therefore very much practitioners as well as advisors and consultants, giving a depth of understanding of both the technical and business aspects of what they do.