LINK Scheme
The LINK scheme is the Government's principal mechanism for promoting partnership in pre-competitive research between industry and the research base.Historically, Defra, BBSRC, SEERAD, EPSRC, ESRC, DARDNI and the Highways Agency have been involved in a number of LINK scheme collaborations.
Grant aid focuses on projects that: deliver high quality pre-commercial research to address constraints to sustainable development identified as important by industry; have potential for significant commercial and/or environmental impact; are implemented by a consortium which demonstrates an appropriate route to market to effect impact post-project; and support Government Sponsors policies.
There are three accepted routes that LINK projects can follow: Feasibility LINK (£75% Government funding, 25% Industry funding), the purpose of which is to act as a bridge LINK and allow researchers and industry to explore the feasibility of an idea without having to involve industry too deeply, therefore allowing minimal risk. This has an expected project length of 12-18 months. Standard LINK project (£50% Government, 50% Industry funding) with an average project length of 2-4 years. Development LINK (£25% Government, 75% Industry funding), the purpose of which is to allow the final development of information/technology developed within a standard LINK project to facilitate uptake into the industry. This would be mainly industry funded to ensure a clear requirement for the development grant, with an expected project length 12 - 18 months.