Inspire South West was a £4 million programme to promote innovation in South West England, jointly funded by the South West RDA and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as part of the European Union's 'Innovative Actions' programme.

The programme delivered a range of innovative projects that met the core objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy and Regional Innovation Strategy. The programme was led by the RDA in partnership with Government Office for the South West and partners on the Inspire Implementation Group. The programme was linked to Objective 1 and 2 strategies for the South West, by driving up demand for business support services funded through these development programmes.

The programme placed an emphasis on reaching companies who do not access innovation support services by encouraging a realisation that innovation is a key driver in maintaining business competitiveness and improving productivity. Inspire SW encouraged and supported organisations across the South West to change their business behaviour so that companies can anticipate change, build positive attitudes to innovation, and take an innovative approach to all aspects of their business.

Key Actions for Inspire SW:

• Look Forward - designed to encourage South West businesses and support organisations to make greater use of knowledge for competitive advantage;
• Changing Culture - to promote an understanding of innovation and technology and inspire businesses to be innovative;
• Innovative Business - to provide practical support to businesses, especially SMEs and those businesses in Objective 1 and 2 areas.

All project funding was allocated and 15 projects are working to achieve the required objectives and outcomes of the programme. 
 
For more information on the work achieved and how the novel approaches adopted are making a difference to businesses and organisations in South West England, please read the Inspire South West newsletters below: 
 
Innovation and Action: November 2005 (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 756.02kb) 
 
Innovative Actions: May 2005 (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 1009.76kb). 
 

Project part-funded by the European Union