THE INDEX PROJECT
The INDEX (Innovation Delivers Expansion) Scheme awards West Midland SMEs a £3,000 voucher to purchase academic support for an innovation at any of the region's 13 universities.
EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS WINNER INNOVATIONS INCLUDE:
- innovation / technology audit
- new service delivery and customer interface
- new business model development
- tailored training in innovation management
- efficiency audits, process change
- supply chain management and logistics
- product and service testing and economic impact assessment
We welcome SME applications for all types of business innovation
THE 13 UNIVERSITIES INCLUDE:
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
- Coventry University
- Harper Adams University College
- Keele University
- Newman University College Birmingham
- Open University
- Staffordshire University
- University College Birmingham
- University of Birmingham
- University of Warwick
- University of Wolverhampton
- University of Worcester
SMEs innovations will complement one of the funder priority Business themes of Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
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ORGANISATIONS THAT SUPPORT THE SCHEME INCLUDE:
- West Midlands Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
- Institute of Asian Businesses
- Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
- Foundation for Management Education
The scheme was acknowledged in the Government White Paper (March 2008) and the potential for national roll-out will be evaluated by the regional pilot project success.
If you would like to apply for an INDEX Innovation Voucher please read the INDEX PROJECT CONDITIONS page and click on APPLICATION FORM.
The application form is submitted on line.
If you have any problems completing the application form please contact the INDEX ADVICE CENTRE
0121 204 3883 or e-mail enquiries@indexvouchers.org