The Cross Innovation project is holding a workshop tomorrow in Birmingham to look at how we can use our real strengths in the creative and digital sectors to push start innovation in Birmingham’s wider economy.
UB40’s former recording studio
We have invited a range of policy makers, academics, creative firms and funders to get beneath the skin of the issue. Innovation is key to our economic, social and environmental health. A recent survey by the EU showed that the West Midlands was, jointly with the North East, the least innovative region in England – so we need to really focus on upping our game.
I would welcome your views as well. You can find the document produced for the event here. This seeks to summarise some our strengths looking through four prisms; the role of space(s); the role of finance; brokerage and lastly cultural and creative practices.
We will look at
- what we do well,
- what new or improve projects we could support;
- where we might fund this – or is there funding we can influence.
So if you aren’t attending the event please let me know your views via this blog, twitter (@globalbirminghm) or linkedin
The event starts at 1.00pm June 5th. Follow the discussion on the hashtag #xinnovate
This project led by Birmingham City University is part funded by ERDF through the InterregIVC programme
UrbanPivot 
Hi Patrick,
We have been in touch before – maybe its best we meet in person to clarify the GrowrhAccelerator service which is not accurately presented in your document. Gas I been aware of this/this eventbearlier I would have liked to participate, its so difficult to stay informed of all the initiatives in the city.
GrowthAccelerator is much more than Access to Finance. It’s the national flag ship service for companies with high-growth potential and it has 4 core service lines: Business Development, Growth through Innovation, Access to Finance and Leadership & Managenent Development. It’s a bespoke service delivered over the remaining period of funding March 2015 and it is expected to continue after that.
I would be delighted to meet for a coffee to exchange more both ways.
Anne,
Further to my reply…ran out of space….Are you based in Birmingham. My work is quite flexible so I can usually fit in around your diary. When might you be free? Next week is quite quiet for me?
Best
Patrick
Yes my Birmingham office is in Baskerville House next to the new library. How about email me at annew@winningmoves.com and we’ll put something in the diary 🙂
Best wishes
Anne
Growth Manager
GrowthAccelerator Birmingham, Solihull, Bromsgrove