South West England

The South West England Innovation Landscape

As the UK’s innovation system , we work across the country. We also know that each part of the country is unique with its own strengths and challenges. We are committed to working closely with partners and regional initiatives to ensure you get what you need to innovate and succeed.

From the first photograph to the invention of plasticine and being at the forefront of transport and infrastructure innovation since the 17th century, the region is home to the Bristol, Swindon and Gloucester triangle – Silicon Gorge, has been at the heart of innovation and creativity in the UK for a very long time.

With a GVA of £131bn, a population of 5.7m, 537 thousand businesses and 2.6m employees,
the South West of England has the largest share of businesses actively engaged in innovation. This equates to an impressive 41% or 9,900 businesses actively innovating in the region, with improving the quality of goods or services the key factor driving the change.

We have partnered with the West of England Combined Authority to develop the West of England Local Action Plan.