Innovation

Innovation is the successful development and introduction of new ideas – not just for science and technology, but for all new products, new services, new ways of running business, new ways of doing business and more.

In a global economy innovation is essential for businesses to maintain a competitive advantage and achieve their growth potential.

The challenge

The East Midlands has firm industrial and academic foundations on which to build. With a rich tradition of innovation, many technological advances have originated here, from the development of the jet engine, to the invention of the MRI scanner and DNA fingerprinting.

Much of the region’s R&D investment is concentrated in a handful of larger companies though. We need to raise awareness among businesses, particularly SMEs, about the economic value of investing in R&D. Innovation leads to more and better paid jobs, higher value products and services and increased productivity.

A critical activity is to develop and enhance links between businesses and the science base in order to maximise the market opportunities for regional innovation.

East Midlands Innovation                             

East Midlands Innovation is the region's innovation council, which is funded by emda to steer its investment in innovation support.

The vision is for the East Midlands to become a fast growing, dynamic economy based on innovative, knowledge-based companies competing successfully in the global economy.
The second Regional Innovation Strategy (2010 – 13) sets out how we will use the knowledge, skills and creativity of organisations and individuals to build an innovation led economy.
To find out more visit the East Midlands Innovation Portal

Nottingham Science City

Nottingham was granted Science City status by the government in 2005 and is a project supported by emda. Science City status is helping Nottingham strengthen its reputation as a cutting edge centre for research and commercialisation of science and technology.

To find out more visit the Nottingham Science City website

BioCity

BioCity in Nottingham is one of Europe's largest bioscience incubators – a joint venture between emda and Nottingham’s two universities. Over 60 companies, employing more than 525 people, are now based there. The first facility opened in September 2003, and new
grow-on space opened in October 2008.

The grow-on space has enabled five BioCity-based businesses to expand – freeing up incubator space for new businesses. emda has committed almost £3 million, with another
£1 million coming from the European Regional Development Fund. The firms occupying this phase have invested a further £2 million.

BioCity launched its own investment fund, Mobius Life Sciences, focused on providing seed finance for life science companies on 1st October 2009.

To find out more visit the BioCity website

No. 1 Nottingham Science Park

No. 1 Nottingham Science Park is an award winning building which accommodates growing research-based businesses. The 45,000 square foot facility is built from state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, and provides space for technology businesses to expand and develop new ideas. Its close proximity to The University of Nottingham stimulates a two-way flow of research, and employment opportunities for the region’s graduates.  

No. 1 Nottingham Science Park was developed by Blueprint – a specialist regeneration organisation set-up by emda, English Partnerships and Morley Fund Management – and opened in October 2009. If offers competitive rates and flexible terms for companies seeking upwards of 1,000 square feet of space.

For more information click here or visit www.nottinghamsciencepark.co.uk