West Midlands
With an action plan, Launchpad and Innovation Accelerator, we are driving local impact in the West Midlands.
West Midlands 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.
With a GVA of £133bn, a population of 5.95m, 437k businesses and 2.7m employees, the West Midlands is home to the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector, worth £15.3bn. With more start-ups in Birmingham than any other UK city outside London (for seven consecutive years), companies can access over 100 tech hubs, commercial test beds, accelerators and collaboration facilities. This includes eleven science parks and nine world-class higher education institutions, to scale innovative products and services into the UK market.
A leading region for UK innovation when it comes to automotive and aerospace – with every £1 of Government spending for Research & Development translating in to £4 of business investment.
Working with West Midlands Combined Authority, we have co-created the West Midlands Local Action Plan.
REGIONAL ACTION PLAN
We are working with leaders across the West Midlands to strengthen UK capability
Through strategic collaboration, Innovate UK will embed the West Midlands as a place of possibility, catalysing agile ecosystems where technology, services and processes can be developed and commercialised for maximum impact. This action plan harnesses the region’s strengths, reaffirming shared goals to unlock economic growth, productivity gains and inclusive prosperity. Watch the West Midlands Action Plan highlights video and download the Action Plan.
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Innovation Accelerator programme
The West Midlands is one of the three city regions, investing a share of £100m to grow jobs, skills, and the economy through the flagship Innovation Accelerator programme. Innovate UK, on behalf of UK Research & Innovation, has worked in partnership with the West Midlands to co-create the programme and identify 5 ambitious local projects over 2 years. These projects are delivered collectively against an agreed set of objectives.
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Launchpads programme
Working with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, Innovate UK is delighted to support the immersive and creative industries with a Launchpad. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) are also collaborating to support the universities at the heart of this cluster. Learn more about the Launchpads programme.
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Related programmes
Net Zero Living
Innovate UK’s £60 million, three-year Net Zero Living programme aims to help regional authorities and businesses accelerate the transition to net zero, across the UK and internationally.
Create Growth Programme
Helping businesses in England convert their creative potential into creative growth.
Innovate Local
Working alongside partners, businesses and stakeholders, Innovate UK hosts this series of events to help innovative businesses maximise their success.
Related Case Studies
Related Events and Recordings
CONTACT US
Get support with your innovation
Engage with us wherever you are, for region-specific innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities.