1 European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Strategy:
Strengthening Research, Technological Development &
Innovation
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Overview Context Investment Priorities Funding
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Context (1) Manufacturing remains a significant employer within
the Coventry and Warwickshire area supporting the employment of
over 47,000 people. o The manufacturing sector is dominated by high
tech manufacturing, which in terms of classification comprises the
manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, the
manufacture of electrical equipment, the manufacture of machinery
and equipment, the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and
semi-trailers, and the manufacture of other transport equipment. o
These areas collectively account for 50% of all manufacturing jobs
in the LEP area. This Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
sector within Coventry & Warwickshire is a clear specialism and
differentiator, and a key focus for the CWLEP. o The manufacturing
sector makes a disproportionately large contribution to R&D
activity in the CWLEP area, indicating the strength of the
automotive sector and its importance for the local economy. The LEP
area also has a strong employment profile in the Wholesale and
Retail Trade (70,533 jobs), Human Health and Social Work (47,428
jobs) and Education (44,158). o The service sector accounts for 5%
of private sector R&D expenditure in Coventry and Warwickshire,
while nationally it accounts for 55% of R&D investment.
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Context (2) Coventry and Warwickshire boasts some world class
innovation-related assets. It is home to several of the UKs most
innovative companies and universities producing cutting-edge
research. Total R&D employment in the private sector is far
higher than comparator LEP areas. A relatively large proportion of
private sector R&D is concentrated in Stratford-on-Avon with
several large automotive R&D campuses (including Jaguar Land
Rover (JLR)) based in Gaydon in the north east of the district.
Stratford-on-Avon accounts for 47% of R&D expenditure and 41%
of R&D employment. Patent activity follows a similar pattern:
From 2001 to 2011 nearly half of all successful patent applications
were registered in Coventry and Stratford- on-Avon. There continues
to be a long tail of less innovative, less productive businesses in
the area and it is crucial that they are supported to engage in
more innovative activity in order to increase the areas economic
resilience and rates of sustainable growth
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Introduction In the European Commissions proposal for cohesion
policy in 2014-2020 it is a precondition for using the European
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that investments in research,
development and innovation are made based on a smart specialisation
strategy that supports integrated, place-based economic
transformation. Sector Specialisation in Research, Development and
Innovation This theme will prioritise support for research,
development and innovation in: high-value manufacturing including
low carbon vehicles, intelligent mobility; computer gaming and
serious gaming; and healthcare (social innovation and innovation in
health). Support for Business Innovation This theme will seek to
increase research, development and innovation activity in sectors
and business groups that are less intensive in research and
development in the LEP area. Investment Priorities (1)
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Introduction The theme will support activities which:
Disseminate and support the adoption of new technologies (key
enabling technologies) through cooperation between research and
education, technology transfer, applied research, technology
development providers and demonstration facilities Invest in
innovative solutions, research infrastructures (research facilities
and technology centres, competence centres and science parks) and
equipment Focus on enhancing applied research, through reinforced
cooperation with industry to leverage private R&I investment.
Support for clusters, cooperative partnerships between research,
education and innovation actors, business R&I infrastructures
Investment Priorities (2)
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Introduction The theme will support activities which: Promote
R&I business advisory services Create more demand for
innovative products through public procurement of innovation
Encourage cooperation (pilot projects and the development of new
products, practices, processes and technologies, including the
introduction of low carbon and green technologies) between the
agriculture, food and forestry sectors and other actors and the
creation of clusters and networks Establish rural advisory services
to improve economic and environmental performance Set up
operational groups involving farmers, researchers, advisors, civil
society and businesses involved in the agriculture and food sectors
in order to develop and implement innovative projects on topics of
common interest Investment Priorities (3)
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Introduction Sector Specialisation in Research, Development and
Innovation 13,271,000 ERDF Grant Support for Business Innovation
5,779,000 ERDF Grant Accounting for: 33% of the ERDF Budget 16.5%
of our notional ESIF allocation Funding
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9 European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Strategy