Local Growth Campaign: commercialising innovation

The East of England is UK plc's innovation heartland and a critical economic engine.

There is also huge potential to better-exploit the local economic and job-creation potential of innovations, similar to some global and European competitors.  

As part of its local growth campaign, the Local Government Association is working across the country to examine how local government, working with partners in LEPs, universities and Government, can overcome local barriers to growth.  The focus of work in the East of England is in commercialising innovation.

With a strong network of innovation hubs, specialist networks in the renewable energy and life sciences sectors and world-leading academic institutions, the nature of public sector support has to be focused and coordinated.  

A free seminar provides a valuable opportunity to shape the new-generation of support with a line-up of top-class speakers. Taking place on Thursday 16th February from 4:30 - 7pm at the SmartLIFE Centre, Cambridge, contributors include:

• Sir Tim Wilson, on the outcome of his review of university-business collaboration for Government;
• Dr Robert Swann, on his experience in commercialising innovations and work at the Greater Cambridge, Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership;
• Luke Owen, on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills' model for providing public sector support for innovation through the Technology Strategy Board;
• Simon Coward, on how local authorities and businesses come together to drive local innovation hubs, drawing on his leadership of the Hethel Centre in Norfolk.

You can view the full programme and sign-up via the Association's website or email charlotte.bendall@eelga.gov.uk.