We published The importance of innovation in a changing economy (pdf, 580kb) in August 2009.
The report is based on several papers presented at an innovation day workshop in March 2009, three of which are available to listen to on our blog:
The workshop was held during a thematic dialogue between September 2008 and April 2009 to help develop the evidence base and inform policy around innovation, part of our wider work reporting on the state of the West Midlands.
Background
Innovation is one of the economic priorities for the West Midlands.
The future prosperity of the West Midlands is highly dependent on gaining the benefits of the range of research and innovation undertaken in our higher education institutions and many other public and private sector organisations.
The government's Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (now part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) published the Innovation Nation White Paper in March 2008. The White Paper recognises that:
“Innovation is essential to the UK’s future economic prosperity and quality of life. To raise productivity, foster competitive businesses, meet the challenges of globalisation and to live within environmental limits, the UK must excel in all types of innovation.”