Member Article

European knowledge exchange positions Manchester as 'Innovation Capital'

Business and innovation experts from across Europe gathered in Manchester to exchange best practice on using innovation to re-energise regional economies and create jobs.

“One of the key discussions was how Manchester can reinforce its position as a European capital for innovation,” said Russell Yates, Enterprise Development Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Centre for Enterprise, which hosted the event.

During the visit, a Greek delegation visited Manchester Science Park to see excellence in action, while managers from MMU’s Innospace Digital Innovation centre were able to learn from Finnish delegates, who operate a highly successful business incubation model. Norwegian visitors examined MMU’s high business growth programmes, with a view to emulating best practice back in Trondheim. Visitors from Avila in Spain also met with Manchester’s tourism experts to see how innovation can be applied to growth.

The event was part of the Smart Europe project - a best practice exchange partnership between 13 city regions from 10 EU member countries. Over the past 18 months participants have taken part in ‘peer reviews’ of each others’ city regions to appraise their activities and policies and learn from examples of best practice. The initiative has been supported by Interreg IVC, which promotes inter-regional cooperation across Europe.

“We’ve now reached the final stages of the project”, said Russell Yates. “Last week’s event was about reviewing the peer recommendations, deciding which to take forward and developing implementation plans. In the case of Manchester, our priority is to work with our local partners to join up the various innovation activities we are all engaged in. In this way, the Manchester city region can better coordinate its many exciting innovation initiatives and resources to make an even greater impact on the regional economy”.

The European partners will pool the best ideas and policies into a ‘toolkit’ that each partner can use to create innovation-driven jobs and promote growth.

Professor Lynn Martin Director of the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Centre for Enterprise, added: “Manchester’s world class Universities, advanced knowledge economy, and digital and technology leadership all combine to make the city region a beacon of global excellence for innovation. We welcome the fresh perspective and insights that our Smart Europe partners have contributed to our future strategies and are excited to work with local partners to put these strategies into action.”

Further information: www.mmucfe.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for Enterprise .