Attitudes and Perceptions of a Unique Knowledge Transfer Project Implemented in the Food-Sector of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) in Wales, UK.

Introduction:  The European Union/Welsh Government Knowledge-Innovation-Technology-Exchange (KITE) Project (2008-2015) facilitated a proactive partnership between food-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), affiliates (graduates/individuals with industrial-experience) and academic-knowledge-based partners. Measured end-of-project outputs included attainment of 83 second/third party accreditations (including 46% BRC5/6), £103.3 million in new sales, and creation/safeguarding of >1700 jobs (including quality assurance/manufacturing roles) in the food industry. KITE outputs/outcomes have been reported; however, evaluation of the partner experience was also required.

Purpose: This study assessed KITE-project partners’ attitudes and perceptions of project management, implementation/delivery, technical operations, food safety practices, benefits, impact, and effectiveness.  

Methods:  Qualitative and quantitative data was obtained from self-completed questionnaires (n=119) administered to all project partners (SME Managing-Directors (MD)/Technical-Managers(TM)), which included affiliates, food technologists (FT)/technical-supervisors(TS)). Attitudes and perceptions towards the KITE-project were obtained, predominately, using Likert-like rating scales and open questions.

Results:  Cumulatively, KITE project partners reported positive attitudes/perceptions of KITE implementation, improved technical compliance, and improved food safety knowledge of SME management/workforce. SME MDs/TMs reported "better understanding of BRC requirements", "business growth and expansion", "increased customer confidence" and "attainment of BRC accreditation resulting from KITE partnership. In-addition, 100% indicated improvement of workforce food safety practices and understanding of food safety/quality standards. The majority (>96%) reported satisfaction with project delivery, management and outcomes. All affiliate respondents reported valuable work experience and increased food safety/technical knowledge; 94% reported transferring food safety/quality standard knowledge in SME. Although 44% of the affiliates reported challenges/barriers to embedding new technical-compliance-procedures, 81% were also "very-satisfied" in knowledge-partner mentoring to achieve implementation and >75% FT/TS indicated overcoming technical challenges within businesses and increased specific sector industry knowledge.

Significance: Findings of this study can be by future food-sector knowledge transfer projects as a successful example showing effective operational delivery and partner satisfaction to maximize project/SME outputs/outcomes. Combined with project outputs, the attitudes/perceptions of KITE partners identified in this study further evidences the success of KITE and the potential for national/international application.