Enterprise

Our work with Commercial Partners ranges from consultancy and R&D; to exhibitions and product development. Please see the project case studies and Services sections for further information.

The FDS is actively involved in the development of commercial and academic collaborations focused on innovation and research to drive the digital agenda forward within the fashion and textile sector and beyond. You can find out more about past research, current collaborations and opportunities to collaborate in future research in the Research section.

Fashion works to tight deadlines and even tighter margins. As a consequence, businesses in the sector have little time and effort to devote to R&D; activities that may have long-term benefits. We set up the FDS in 2010 to look at how a dedicated R&D; studio could benefit the sector by bringing together research and business to find better solutions.

Acting as a think tank and technology solution provider, FDS aims to provide insight and solve problems for large enterprises and small commercial businesses. The FDS team advises on best-fit solutions, the development of new tailor-made products and services, and provide strategic consultancy. Please see the Services section of the website for more information.

In its simplest terms, knowledge transfer is the two-way flow and uptake of ideas between academic research and the broader community.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide program enabling businesses to improve their competitiveness, productivity, and performance.

A KTP achieves this through the forming of a partnership between your business and the Fashion Digital Studio, enabling you to access skills and expertise to help your business develop.

KTPs can vary in length from 1 to 3 years (classic KTP) and from 10-40 weeks (shorter KTP), depending on the needs of the business and the desired outcomes.

This funded program gives unprecedented access with a £3,000 ‘voucher’ to a variety of support including one-to-one contact with experienced mentors at FDS who understand issues relating to business, and access to bespoke specialist support through connection with FDS’s world-class knowledge base.

R&D

The Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s national innovation agency. The goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. A number of programs and competitions are available which help small businesses and research develop new solutions with funded calls and competitions.