Inspire innovation network
| Dates run: | September 2005 - 2007 |
| Boroughs occupied: | Pan London |
| Statistics: | 200 engaged in innovation actions |
| Funder: | London Development Agency / ERDF |
| Partners: | Salon Strategies, GWIIN, CIDA, GLAD |
Funded under the LDA Jumpstart programme, GLE oneLondon coordinated the Inspire Innovation Network launched in September 2005. Established to bring together the best practice from all the INSPIRE projects, the Network aimed at supporting innovation for growth among black, Asian and minority ethnic, and hard-to-reach businesses with a specific focus on the food sector, black hair and beauty, creative industries and women entrepreneurs as well as disabled entrepreneurs.
Key highlights:
- The Network sought links with a wide number of London's knowledge base, including higher education institutions (HEIs), larger corporates, relevant governement agencies and providers of business innovation support and training, reflecting GLE oneLondon's social and economic approach to entrepreneurship and innovation.
- A large programme of innovation round tables, including a debate entitled "Innovation through Internationalisation", aimed to draw attention to the growth potential of London's black, Asian and minority ethnic businesses who are using their international links to develop innovative approaches, including products, services, markets, supply chain and distribution channels.
- DVD to raise awareness of the Inspire Innovation Network
The results:
- Over 200 businesses engaged in innovative actions
- Many partnerships between London's knowledge base and businesses were created to share best practice and innovative approaches
- The best practice tool, the Innovation Route Map was also created in conjunction with this project to assist in growing London’s diverse food businesses.
Download the Innovation Route Map to Success
Our partners:
Working alongside GLE oneLondon on the Inspire Innovation Network included partners, Salon Strategies, Global Women Innovators and Inventors Network, and Cultural Industries Development Agency, working in association with GLAD (Greater London Action for Disability). The project was funded by the London Development Agency under the European Regional Development Fund, and London Innovation
Contact us:
For more information about this project, please contact Irene Jeffery, irene.j@gle.co.uk
