SMARTInnovation forms part of an integrated ERDF funded suite of programmes, the operations provide expert advice and support for Welsh businesses seeking to undertake Innovation and Research & Development (R&D), removing barriers to innovation and ensuring that universities, public and private sectors work together to collaboratively deliver Innovative solutions for R&D.
SMARTInnovation aims to increase the innovation capability of Welsh businesses by assisting them to invest in sustainable Research, Development and Innovation:
Further information: https://businesswales.gov.wales/expertisewales/smartinnovation
The SMART Innovation operation is delivered by a team with significant experience of innovation and technology gained in industry, the public sector and academia, and has experience in delivering multi-million pound innovation programmes as well as knowledge and experience of delivering EU funded projects.
The SMART Innovation team will add value by working in close alignment with SMARTCymru, SMART Expertise and other ES&T operations as well as UK and EU RD&I programmes.
This operation will deliver support for new product, process and service development, R&D, Collaborative R&D, Manufacturing & Design, Intellectual Property and Open Innovation. It will also integrate closely with Innovate UK and deliver Horizon 2020 activity in Wales.
The project will benefit all local authority areas in Wales.
The operation will foster a positive climate for enterprise and business development across Wales, and in particular encourage small and medium size businesses to thrive and become technically innovative.
The SMART Innovation will be the entry level deliverer of innovation awareness and activity for Welsh businesses and will help to identify companies and projects which can then be considered against smart specialisation criteria for high level investment.
SMARTInnovation prioritises support for companies with more than 10 employees but can also support those with fewer than 10 employees providing they have high growth potential. Growth potential may be demonstrated in a number of different ways including being part of the WG Accelerated Growth Programme or evidence of support from other growth programmes such as Business Wales Level 4.
Progress to end June 2017