iNets (Networking for Innovation)
What are iNets?
The South West RDA is currently working with
partners to develop iNets, which form part of the Solutions for
Business Networking for Innovation
product.
There will be five iNets, each focusing on one
of the South West’s priority sectors: BioMedical, Creative
Industries, Aerospace and Advanced
Engineering, Environmental
Technologies and Microelectronics.
The iNets will bring together businesses,
colleges, universities, research centres and public sector
representatives with a shared interest in the sector, or the
technologies that underpin it.
What will they do?
The best companies recognise that to remain
competitive, innovative new products are essential, but few SMEs
possess all of the skills required to turn a bright idea into a
product or service ready for market. This is where iNets will be
able to help.
iNets will provide opportunities for businesses,
individuals and the knowledge base in the priority sectors to share
ideas and knowledge. This could mean the start of an innovative
project, or perhaps even a joint venture with another business or
research institute.
They will also help businesses access support and
funding for innovation, such as Collaborative R&D and Grant for R&D.
The iNets will attract new, innovative
businesses to the region and promote the South West as a
significant force for technology and innovation
How will they do it?
iNet activity will include sector specific
networking events, innovation workshops, promotion of funding and
collaboration opportunities and activities that support peer to
peer learning and good practice sharing.