East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has announced that the
second phase of the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) has been
approved by its Board, meaning that regional businesses will
continue to benefit from its offer of innovation support.
The strategy, which aims to help businesses and organisations
use innovation to become more competitive, will be formally
launched at the innovation Expo (iEXPO) in Leicester on 12th March,
the start of the 2010 innovation Festival (iFestival).
The three-year plan is a continuation of the first RIS, which
ran from 2007 to 2010. The development was overseen by East
Midlands Innovation and sets out how the knowledge and skills of
organisations and individuals can be used to build an economy rich
in innovation as part of a flourishing region.
David Wallace, emda's Innovation Director, said: "The East
Midlands has a rich tradition of innovation over many decades, and
a key element of the RIS is to build on this reputation and make it
easier for businesses to become more innovative. We believe the
innovation strategy provides a comprehensive and coordinated
package of dedicated support as well as an increased focus on
exploiting the full potential of both technology and
partnerships.
"Good progress has already been made through the first strategy,
including establishing four innovation Networks (iNets), which have
become UK exemplars of how to deliver innovation on the ground.
"The improved and revised strategy includes a major focus on the
work required to move towards a low carbon economy, with the
increased emphasis on technology. It also offers a broader
innovation service, to help businesses access the range of support
and partnerships available to them."
For further information please visit www.eminnovation.org.uk