Innovation
Innnovation has been a watchword with the Welland SSP ever since its creation in 2002, itself an innovative concept by way of its cross-border, exclusively rural nature. Since then it has acquired a reputation for forward thinking, innovative programes, breaking new ground and providing role models for replication in similarly rural areas.
Many of its programes have been ‘firsts’, from cross border crime intelligence to commercial agri-cropping and now its business based equestrian tourism and leisure strategy. Project leaders work together to maximise synergies between programmes, leading to fresh thinking and innovative delivery.
Innovation and its implications for improved business performance have become central to SSP business planning with development of a strategy to encourage new thinking, backed by a Welland Innovation Advisory Group.
Businesses across the board will be encouraged to investigate the commercial potential of innovation, including new markets, supply chains and methods, with the advisory group helping identify appropriate priority sectors and oversee the development of the innovation strategy and action plan.
The SSP innovation strategy will integrate with existing business support activity such as its Sirius business transformation programme, Developing Business Skills Excellence (DBSE) courses and facilities to promote rapid prototyping for SME’s to improve business skills, product development and marketing strategies
The strategy seeks to identify key issues, strengths and weaknesses for encouraging and enhancing innovation, including best practice. It will also identify current barriers to innovation in the Welland area, and map out the actions and investment areas for the SSP linked to the development of the Regional Innovation Strategy.
Key Issues:
- New investment into the Welland
- Increase in technology start-ups and uptake of new technology in older businesses
- Investment in high added value manufacturing
- Supply chain development
- New product / market development strategies for rural areas
- Connecting design with manufacturing
- Raising awareness of innovation in a micro-business economy
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