Rolls-Royce has developed The University Technology Centre (UTC), a model for co-operation with universities and research institutes that aims at promoting research with commercial potential. There is currently about 25 universities and research institutes world-wide that has this relation with Rolls-Royce.
UTC partners are chosen among the top players in the field of interest. The UTCs are long term relations, typically for ten years. In The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre "Performance in a Seaway", Rolls-Royce Marine, MARINTEK and NTNU work together in a long-term co-operative research program For more than 30 years, Rolls-Royce Marine, MARINTEK, and NTNU have had a close relationship, with co-operation in development of propellers, propulsion systems, ship designs, and various types of ship equipment. In June 2010 it was publicly announced that the UTC "Performance in a Seaway" is continued for another five years, until 2015. The UTC projects are labelled "Key academic partnerships" by Rolls-Royce.
