Abstract

The Innovation Vouchers programme has proved a sound basis for improving small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) innovation capacity in the West Midlands. This chapter repots on the previous two phases of engagement with SMEs to illustrate the modus operandi of the programme and its impact. This research-informed intervention initiative comprised two key components, offering innovation vouchers and a workshop series and to a range of industry sectors during the two three-year phases concerned. A novel aspect of this programme was that its architecture and administration was based on social science, drawing on social psychology and social anthropology to enhance the innovation capacity of participant SMEs and help them grow. Although key cross-cutting themes included enabling capabilities associated with advanced manufacturing and engineering, digital technologies and data and systems integration, the programme was not delimited to SMART sectors.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHow to Enable Engagement Between Universities and Business
Subtitle of host publicationA Guide for Building Relationships
EditorsKathy Daniels, Saskia L. Hansen
PublisherEdward Elgar
Chapter32
Pages327-335
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781035316809
ISBN (Print)9781035316793
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Sept 2024

Publication series

NameBusiness 2024
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing

Keywords

  • Business school engagement
  • Entrepreneurship development
  • Knowledge exchange
  • SME business support
  • SME collaboration
  • University
  • University engagement

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