The West Midlands Innovation Programme exemplifies a strategic approach to fostering innovation and economic growth through collaboration, targeted support, and the development of a robust innovation ecosystem.
The West Midlands Innovation Programme (WMIP) is a collaborative initiative led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) aimed at enhancing the region’s innovation ecosystem. By supporting cross-sector, demand-led innovation, WMIP seeks to address the Capability and Capacity strand of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator. The programme focuses on fostering partnerships, piloting novel interventions, and facilitating networking through sector-specific working groups and events.
Objectives
- Innovation Networks: Establishing a series of networks that act as gateways, drawing in stakeholders from private, public, and academic sectors to drive partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
- Virtual Innovation Team (VIT): Assembling a team of sector-specific innovation experts to provide business support and identify cross-sector innovation opportunities.
- Pilot and Scale Interventions: Developing and scaling cross-sector, demand-led innovation interventions by identifying market opportunities and supporting businesses in their response.
Impacts
- Assisted 465 businesses, leading to the creation of 22 new jobs and fostering economic growth.
- Attracted over £13m co-investment, amplifying the impact of the programme’s initiatives.
- Creation of 15 new demand-led business support programmes.
- The West Midlands reached the final of the 2024 EU Capital of Innovation and became a member of the iCapital Network, enhancing its international innovation profile.
Example Pilot Projects
- ASSIST by Midlands Aerospace Alliance
Challenge: Integrate more small manufacturing companies in the aerospace supply chain into the national innovation ecosystem to address industry challenges and enhance competitiveness.
Outcomes:
- Developed a process to assist companies in understanding their aerospace innovation potential.
- Increased participation of West Midlands companies in national innovation programmes.
- LAST MILE by Transport for West Midlands and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG)
Challenge: Develop policies and practices to support clean, sustainable last-mile delivery using innovative technologies.
Outcomes:
- Conducted trials to prove the potential of low and zero-emission vehicles (LZEVs) in last-mile logistics.
- Developed plans for public trials and strategies for commercial adoption.
- West Midlands Resource Reuse Network
Challenge: Test a regional approach to industrial symbiosis focusing on material flows like sand, wastewater, and metals to enhance business resilience and reduce environmental impact.
Outcomes:
- Increased business resilience by reducing reliance on imported materials.
- Achieved cost and carbon savings through reduced use of raw materials and waste diversion from landfills.
- CIRCULAR STEEL by Warwick Manufacturing Group
Challenge: Design and validate a circular steel recycling system to ensure economic and sustainable reprocessing and reuse of steel waste in the West Midlands.
Outcomes:
- Created a documented design for a circular steel supply chain.
- Developed a comprehensive project plan for implementation.
- Established a strategic steering group to oversee ongoing efforts.
Conclusion
The West Midlands Innovation Programme exemplifies a strategic approach to fostering innovation and economic growth through collaboration, targeted support, and the development of a robust innovation ecosystem. Its initiatives not only address current industry challenges but also position the West Midlands as a leader in innovation on both national and international stages.