Innovation, and how an area can benefit from it, differs from place to place. As the production of new knowledge and technology becomes more global, different regions and places within the UK will innovate in different ways
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) provide the strategic framework for economic growth and regeneration in their regions, in which science and innovation plays an important role.
RDAs have the lead responsibility for strengthening the regional innovation infrastructure, developing strategies, and bringing together partnerships to address local and regional innovation challenges.
Each RDA has a business-led Science and Industry Council, with leading figures from both the public and private sectors, to influence the innovation agenda regionally and nationally.
RDAs are key spenders in supporting innovative businesses. In 2007/08, it is estimated that the RDAs collectively invested over £260m in innovation infrastructure and schemes. During this period, RDA programmes helped more than 8,000 businesses to work with the knowledge base, helping them to turn new ideas and technologies into commercial products and services.
RDAs work with a wide range of partners including universities, colleges, local authorities, Research Councils, the Technology Strategy Board and the private sector.
Over the current Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) period, the RDAs will collectively invest over £180m in collaborations with the Technology Strategy Board on programmes such as investment in Low Carbon Vehicles.
The RDAs are also working with BIS to pilot regional Innovation Voucher schemes. The Vouchers are a business support product that will help more small businesses to engage with the research base.
BIS and the RDAs have worked in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board and other stakeholders to simplify the Solutions for Business support products for innovation. There are seven main products to support business innovation, and these are:
- Networking for Innovation
- Innovation Vouchers
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
- Collaborative Research and Development
- Grant for Research and Development
- Innovation Advice and Guidance
- Designing Demand
