NewsInnovative Thinking, Better Business in Lisburn
The recent launch of the Innovation Networks Programme at the Island Civic Centre brought together businesses from across the City of Lisburn keen to find out more about how increased levels of innovation can enhance their business performance.
Funded by Lisburn City Council and the EU under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, the Innovation Networks Programme is delivered by University of Ulster and South Eastern Regional College and will assist local businesses to identify and develop new technologies, new processes, new systems or products which will add value, and improve overall business competitiveness and profitability.
The programme also offers businesses a unique opportunity to access the world class research and new technologies developed by University of Ulster staff, which will provide opportunities to explore the development of new commercially viable products.
Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chair of the Economic Development Committee at Lisburn City Council, speaking at the launch encouraged businesses to get involved in this new initiative,
“It is widely recognised that businesses which position innovation as an integral part of their business activities are generally more successful and competitive. However with levels of innovation and R&D in Northern Ireland amongst the lowest in the UK, local companies of all sizes, in all sectors, need to be encouraged to innovate in order to build a strong local economy. Through this programme, innovation will be promoted as accessible by all, with businesses encouraged to network, and to share best practice and ideas around innovation thus maximising commercial opportunities, creating new jobs and helping to grow the local economy’.
Elaine Lackermeier, Business Development Executive at the University of Ulster, adds:
“Typically the University and College will undertake initial scoping projects with the business to test feasibility of a new business concept, or to test the physical prototyping of a new product or service, or in identifying a new process or service before applying for support or funding for further development.”
Over the next few weeks a series of Access Innovation Roadshows will be held throughout the City to increase awareness of the range of innovation support available to local businesses including the Innovation Networks Programme.
To find out more about the Access Innovation Roadshows, or any aspect of the Innovation Networks Programme, visit www.lisburninnovationnetworks.com or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
