Enterprise and Innovation

Cluster Inspire

"Helping innovation through improving business networks"

The project aimed to produce a comprehensive map of 'innovation networks' in the sub-region with a few to a developing a wider innovation project in the following year.

Organisation: Business Link Leicestershire

Completion Date: 31/03/2004

Location

Leicester and Leicestershire

Project Description

A comprehensive mapping exercise was conducted into innovation network effectiveness in Leicester and Leicestershire. The results of this will inform future service design- Eric Carveth, Advisory Services Manager, Business Link

Background
Incubator units provide managed workspaces for small businesses at a lower rent than other premises, enabling them to start-up enterprises.

Mapping networks
The project sought to map the provision of innovation networks within the sub-region with a view to developing a larger innovation project in the following year.

This involved talking to current networks and network participants and seeking their views on the usefulness of networks as well as highlighting any gaps in provision.

Outcomes

Report conclusions and the next steps

• At the end of the project, a report was produced that comprehensively mapped innovation network provision through the sub-region.
• The main conclusion of the report was that Leicestershire has a wide range of different networks that should link together more frequently to better serve the business community.
• The report has formed the basis for a new project that Business Link and the LSEP are currently working on.

Project Contacts

Project manager:
Eric Carveth
Tel:0116 257 5601
E-mail: eric.carveth@blleics.co.uk
Website: www.bllr.co.uk

LSEP contact:
Niloofar Sarkari
Tel: 0116 257 5678
E-mail: niloofars@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk