SMARTInnovation

Project description

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:

• Access to impartial innovation advice & diagnostic through  dedicated pan Wales network of Innovation Specialists
• Intellectual Property advice & support and access to subsidised UK-Intellectual Property Office ‘IP Audits’
• Specialist Manufacturing & Design consultancy from an approved framework of private sector advisors
• Non-financial support for the acquisition and implementation of new technologies,  processes and equipment
• Support to facilitate Technical Collaborations, including Technology Transfer activities between businesses and research institutions
• Support with commercialisation,  licensing and Open Innovation opportunities
• Support to access appropriate R, D& I funding sources and advice to develop funding applications e.g. SMARTCymru Structured R&D and Innovation Voucher grants in Wales, Innovate UK and EU Horizon2020 calls plus specific business led competitions etc.

Further information: https://businesswales.gov.wales/expertisewales/smartinnovation

Delivery model

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.

Geographical coverage

The project will benefit all local authority areas in Wales.

Essential eligibility criteria

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.

Specific targets

• No. enterprises receiving non-financial support – 700
• No. businesses receiving specialist advice for new innovation/process/product – 150
• No. patents registered for products – 60
• No. enterprises supported to introduce new to the firm products/processes – 25

Contact details

Name: Jacky Doran
Email: smartinnovation@gov.wales
Telephone: 0300 061 5789
Address: Welsh Government Offices, QED, Treforest, CF37 5YR
Website:
Twitter:

Progress

Progress to end June 2017

• No. enterprises receiving non-financial support – 291
• No. businesses receiving specialist advice for new innovation/process/product – 116
• No. patents registered for products – 21