partnership in action: innovation connectors in ne england laura woods l.woods@tees.ac.uk, 26.9.08

Partnership in Action:

Innovation Connectors in NE England

Laura Woods

l.woods@tees.ac.uk, 26.9.08

Innovation connectors as a regional policy tool

• Leading edge facilities• Business/university R&D• Education• Employment opportunities• Community awareness and engagement• A focus for local physical regeneration• Supporting sustainable, inclusive economic

growth

Innovation Connectors in the NE• Newcastle Science City• NetPark• Regional Energy Centres• The Wilton Centre• Software City• Design Centre North• DigitalCity

All governed by the same principles of physical centres, leading-edge innovation, business growth and public engagement

The impact of ERDF

• Fundamental to delivery of regional economic strategy

• Aligned with funding and strategy for maximum impact

• Has created the platform (technology, innovation and partnerships) for Innovation Connectors through previous investments

DigitalCity: A case study

DigitalCity – embedding innovation in the wider community

• Aim: To generate and sustain a high-growth economic base in digital media and technologies, with a world-class reputation for creativity and innovation

• Location: Tees Valley City Region• Core Partners: University of Teesside,

Middlesbrough Council, One NorthEast

Origins of DigitalCity• Digital technology and media strengths • Graduate start-up record and infrastructure• Community reach-out focus• Business development and regeneration role of

Middlesbrough Council• A mature working partnership• Outstanding project champions

- Responding to regional economic need

Key features

• DigitalCity Fellowships – fostering graduate talent• Technology transfer – an environment for researchers,

businesses and graduates • Digital inclusion and digital skills – promoting community

engagement in digital opportunities• Passionate about digital – events and festivals• Business growth and acceleration – unique business

growth, mentoring and networking programme tailored to digital companies

• Physical regeneration – business and technology hubs

The DigitalCity pipeline

The Innovation Connector effect

• A joined-up approach – using innovation and creativity as the driver for growth and inclusion

• A physical location, connected to its environs• A solid foundation of partnership delivery & experience• Fostering true collaboration between business

and academe

Halch: A digital success story

Next stage for DigitalCity

• Expansion of fellowships

• Increased community/school engagement

• New business growth at the technology/creative interface

• New business hubs across region

• Extended regional reach

- Supported by ERDF

Loo The 07/13 OP and beyond:Extending the reach of innovation

• Integrated packages of investment to expand activity

• Joining up innovation, infrastructure, business growth, skills and community engagement

• Establishing, developing and embedding the IC model

• And connecting the connectors!

Thank you!