Thomas Bridge 29 May 2015

Researchers rank UK’s most innovative LEPs

Oxfordshire, Cambridge and Peterborough have outperformed London, Manchester and Liverpool to be named the UK’s most innovative Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

A report from the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) has revealed an ‘arc of innovation’ stretching from Cambridge, through the south east Midlands to Gloucestershire.

Figures were drawn from a poll of over 14,000 firms, charting the level of pioneering business activity between 2010 and 2012.

Oxfordshire LEP reported the most innovative activity, followed closely by Greater Cambridge and Peterborough, the South East Midlands LEP and Gloucestershire.

 

Tees Valley was named the best performing of the Northern local economic areas. Liverpool City Region was ranked 10th on the list, Greater Manchester 20th and London 25th.

Eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and Cumbria achieved the lowest rankings.

Regions were ranked on levels of successfully introduced products and services, launch of ‘new to the market’ products, collaboration, research and development, new marketing or strategic thinking and business process innovation.

Researchers admitted the level of local innovation would depend on both the type of business activity and the forward-thinking nature of individual firms.

Professor Stephen Roper, who led the ERC research, said: ‘For the first time, this research gives us a picture of which localities of the UK have the highest proportion of firms introducing new products and services. The findings run counter to the dominant narrative of a country dependent on London, with innovation being much more dispersed across the country than was previously thought.

‘Innovation is strongly linked to growth, exporting and productivity - all areas in which the UK economy needs to improve if we want to boost our international competitiveness.

‘The significant variation between different parts of the UK suggests that some localities are succeeding in creating a more innovation-friendly environment than others.

‘Policymakers and researchers need to examine the local factors that could be contributing to this so that we can create the conditions for firms to become more innovative — creating jobs and growth - in every corner of the UK.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner

Sheffield City Council
£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Sheffield City Council

Senior Housing Options Advisor

Wyre Borough Council
£35,235 - £37,938
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our expanding Housing Options Team Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

Hyndburn Borough Council
National Living Wage (SCP2)
Hyndburn is a great place to work. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Service Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 16 £54,800 - £58,798 (Pay Award Pending). Potential earnings up to £61,298 per annum.
Lead with Purpose. Inspire Change. Transform Lives. Your Next Chapter Starts Here  Are you a visionary leader with a passion for making a lasting dif Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Enforcement Officer

Hyndburn Borough Council
£33,366 – £35,235 (Scale SCP 23-25) (plus 10% enhancement)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Licensing Department for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated Licensing Enforcement Officer. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council
Linkedin Banner