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Innovation

The successful exploitation of new ideas is crucial to a business being able to improve its processes, bring new and improved products and services to market, increase its efficiency and improve its profitability.    The following provides an overview and links (under External Links) to relevant support and advice, including funding opportunities, on innovating your business.   

Business Link Innovation Guide

This guide explains how you can make innovation a key business process and outlines the different approaches you can take.  It also highlights the help and support available and to find out more see "Business Link - Innovation" under External Links.

Solent Enterprise Hub

The Solent Enterprise Hub is part of an award-winning network of focal points for innovation and entrepreneurial activity across the south east of England.  The Hub is made up of four business incubators across the Portsmouth region, including the Technopole in the city itself. The Hub Director works with local partner organisations to connect innovative companies to the appropriate experts and funding sources. In addition a community of like-minded companies thrive on Hub organised networking events and professional help from the Hub's commercial partners.

University of Portsmouth Research & Development Service

The University of Portsmouth can draw upon the combined expertise of over 1,000 academic and research staff - from renowned scientists and technologists to experienced management consultants. These resources are co-ordinated by the R&D service that acts as an interface between the university and businesses.

In addition to R&D and consultancy services the university also provides:

• Analysis, testing and evaluation (nationally recognised Centre of Excellence for materials testing)
• Regional Centre for Manufacturing Industry (DTI funded Centre of Excellence)
• Centre for Enterprise Research and Innovation (specialises in assisting businesses to develop their procedures and working practices)
• Centre for Coastal Zone Management (undertakes evaluation, mapping and survey projects)
• Product Development and Licensing
• Training and Professional Development

Innovation Advisory Service (SE)

The IAS supports businesses as they innovate and grow.  Its services include advisor visits to your company to work on strategic and growth issues for anything between two hours and 10 days, without charge.  It can also help you access resources, including grants, for innovation.

Solent Synergy

Is a business-driven and business-led joint venture to create a thriving and entrepreneurial culture, stimulating continuous business growth and innovation.  To do so it is establishing knowledge economy support networks and links between universities and business as well as encouraging entrepreneurs and corporate spin-outs to create more businesses.